snow + brunch + twinkle lights

chicago was magical.

all awash with:

gently falling snow.
farm-fresh brunch.
and midnight twinkle lights.


christmas was palpable in the crisp air.

i feel thankful & refreshed.

***

ps: loving this christmas song.

a winter weekend.

there's something about the sparsity of winter.
that leaves me peaceful.
at rest.

it's as if the frozen air.
is the only kind that ever really gets all the way into my lungs.
i breathe.
and for a few months.
i can see every breath.

*

on my way to chicago again.
for the whole weekend-- this time.
no agenda.
no strategic plan.

just hot cider.
cold evening walks.
family-style dinners.
and christmas cheer.

happy weekend.

the leftovers:::

my trip to chicago was one week ago already.
which seems absolutely impossible.
it feels as though i were just painting that fabulous town red.

in my post-vacation nostalgia--(can you call it that if only eight days has gone by?)--
i pulled up a few of the leftover pictures.
the B-sides, if you will.

reminiscing just never, ever gets old.


here's to another weekend of adventure.

i've got my camera ready...

::: chicago, chicago-- that toddling town...

between the train ride.
the amazing views.
the food. (oh! the food!)
the coffee & tea.
the shopping.
the midnight carriage ride.
the boat tour.
the pre-summer heat.
& the amazing friends.
i could write a post 1,000 pages long about my weekend.
but i won't.

i'll let the pictures do the talking...

:: hit the tracks, jack::

[all images via "we heart it"]

i am packing my bags.

towing along::
a stack of books.
my newly playlisted ipod.
a comfy zip-up hoodie.
my little black dress.
my turquoise stilettos.
my gray TOMS.
a pair of leggings and a long purple top.
a selection of sunglasses.

i am printing my ticketed bar code.
mapquesting distances.
making reservations.
charging my point-and-shoot camera.
and getting every kind of down-right GLEEFUL about my weekend in chicago.

i am jazzed about the food.
and the sights.
and the laughter.

but can i be honest?
i'm most excited about the train ride.

i'll be back.
tanner.
fresher.
and full of things to share.

enjoy the weekend...

and all that jazz::: chicago + the boys

After a 5 hour train ride on a car full of 37 girl scouts and 1 creepy stalker, I am home from a refreshing trip to Chicago with a few of my girlfriends. My friend Kellie and I stayed with our mutual friends, Erin and Kyle---and their twin boys (who are the most loving little gentlemen on EARTH!). Believe it or not, I had never been to Chicago before this weekend, and let me make it known that I LOVE IT! Being a NYC girl myself, it was refreshing to see a big city that was so clean, and that had momentum, but not insanity. And while I am a firm believer in the fact that the energy in NYC is is more than half its charm::: the laid back attitude of Chi-town has a place too. Its a place I could easily see myself living.....

Below, I've documented the long and short of it:::

little landon

my sweet gentlemen :)



bridge into the city...


i have declared this my new house


kel, me, cheesecake factory...



one day, i will be this amazing...


this church was breathtaking

tiffanys = l.o.v.e

some serious damage done at The Crate + i adore this chair

random park...

view from the train....heading home

It's sushi with Liz at four, so I have a few hours to go outside and soak up some of the gorgeous sun before it sets on another day.......here I go.....



Until tomorrow...