chicago trip recap

Monday, December 29, 2014
Over the first weekend in December, the hubs and I took a little trip up to Chicago to visit a friend. Neither of us had ever been, so we were very excited to explore the city!  We were blown away at how beautiful it was, even despite the overcast/foggy weather that prevented us from getting a good view of the lake. We got to see much of downtown as well as Near Northside, Old Town, and Lincoln Park.

Friday, the hubs and I took the train from O'Hare to downtown, left our stuff at our friend's apartment, and started walking around while he was finishing up at work. We first tried to visit the J. Parker rooftop bar at the Hotel Lincoln, but it was under construction. On clear days, we heard, the view of the lake is stunning. We'll definitely have to come back another time to see it for ourselves! We ended up at Marge's Still, Chicago's oldest pub. It was a wonderful, off the beaten path little place to take cover from the cold.
Our friend joined us for dinner at Lou Malnati's for our first taste of Chicago famous deep dish pizza. It seems on the internet and amongst our friends, everyone is split between Lou's and Giordano's. We chose Lou's and were completely impressed with the meal--it was delicious!


Following dinner, we bar hopped along Hubbard Street downtown. Notable stops: Pops for ChampagneHubbard Inn, and Luxbar.

A late night warranted some much-needed sleeping in. We roused slowly and made our way over to The Publican, just west of downtown, for their highly recommended brunch. If you ever visit Chicago, you should definitely make this part of your agenda. The atmosphere was lively and cheerful, filled with natural light and warm wood paneling. Our booth had doors on the open side that you could close to create a semi-private dining space.





We walked off our (amazing) meal downtown, making a quick stop at the Christmas market (way too crowded) and continued on to Millennial Park. On the way to see "The Bean" I was drawn to an adorable little cupcake/macaron shop called Sugar Bliss nestled discreetly next to Macy's.


We walked up Magnificent Mile, stopping at only a few stores before making our way home to rest. After a little nap, we braved the cold for some BYOB dinner at Cafe Sushi in Old Town, followed by drinks at Old Town Pour House and the most delicious cupcakes ever at Molly's Cupcakes in Lincoln Park (note: try the Cake Batter flavor, it's to die for). I loved that they were open late to satisfy my sweet tooth craving, since most bakeries closed much earlier in the evening.


Sunday, we headed back to Old Town for macarons, coffee, and croissants at La Fournette and brunch (and Sunday football watching) at Benchmark.

We returned home to rest and pack before heading back to the airport. The hubs and I had the most wonderful time visiting our friend and exploring Chicago. We can't wait to visit again! xo.


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Merry Christmas

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas! Peace, love, and joy to you and yours. xo.
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last minute holiday treat recipes

Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Looking for some easy last-minute Christmas treats to bring to family gatherings this week? Check out these yummy recipes that everyone will love!

The brownie-dipped Oreos (also tried them dipped in red velvet cake mix) are officially a staple on my holiday baking list from here on out. The hubs, friends, and coworkers all gobbled them up! Also, I've use this sugar cookie recipe for both Halloween and Christmas, and it truly does yield the most flavorful, soft, yummy sugar cookies ever. #keeper 

brownie-dipped oreos via i heart naptime

red velvet cake mix cookies via chocolate, chocolate and more

cut-out sugar cookies via love grows wild

peppermint bark moose munch via the hopeless housewife

red velvet cheesecake bars via mix and match mama

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holiday gift guide // stocking stuffers (under $40)

Sunday, December 21, 2014
Better late than never, right? For those last minute gifts or stocking stuffer ideas for just about anyone in your life, check out some of these fun products below--all under $40! xo.

studio socks // collar stays // ear muffs // mirror // phone backup charger // nail polish // wallet // truffle salt // phone case // baby head wrap // tea tins // hair ties




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holiday gift guide // for him

Monday, December 15, 2014
If you're still stumped as to what to buy your dad, husband, boyfriend, etc. for the holidays, check out my gift guide below for some ideas! I love finding things that have unique qualities to them or are a little outside the box, like an ultra sleek and modern coffee maker for the espresso connoisseur, or a bocce ball set for the guy that loves to partake in a friendly--or competitive--game with friends. Know a man's man that loves to eat? Bison jerky sources from a Minnesota farm is a fun and inexpensive gift! xo.
coffee maker // water bottle // guitar pick puncher // boxers // beef jerky // beer club // shirt // bocce set // hat // briefcase // pen // cufflinks


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holiday gift guide // kids and teens

Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Today's holiday gift guide is all about the kiddos (and teens)! From a life-sized blocks game to colorful string lights you can customize with his/her favorite colors, to an a-dor-a-ble retro pedal car, you'll find something virtually any sibling, niece, nephew, etc. will flip over! xo.
sleeping bag // initial light // camera // string lights // headphones // pedal car // jewelry holder // life size blocks














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cyber monday deals

Monday, December 1, 2014

Happy Cyber Monday and December 1st! For those that are super busy or prefer not to deal with crowds and lines, this day was made for you! Check out some of these great online deals (along with just a few of my favorite items from each retailer) and check off some names from your Christmas shopping list. xo.

Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy // 40% off your entire online purchase with code CYBER and Free Shipping on orders over $50
BaubleBar // 20% off your online purchase with code CYBER20 and FREE SHIPPING (no minimum)
ASOS // 20% off your entire purchase with code CYBERWKND20 and Free Shipping on orders over $40 (psst if you're looking for a super cute blanket scarf, Asos has a ton of affordable ones!)
Kate Spade // 30% off your entire purchase with code CYBER30 and FREE SHIPPING (no minimum)
Ann Taylor // 50% off your entire online purchase with code CYBER50 (dying over this powder blue coat!)
LOFT // 50% off your entire online purchase with code MONDAY


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