Get-Away

I am DYING for a vacation right now. (Un)Fortunately, summer is my busy time for work, so there is no time at all to get out of town for some much needed R&R. Instead I am left dreaming up where I can escape to once the weather starts to turn sour here in Chicago... Maybe Greece...or New York...or the Caribbean...or London...or even Mexico...

Puerto Rico

{via You Are My Fave}

Some good friends of mine recently moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and I miss them and their beyond adorable twin boys. I recently came across this gorgeous and subdued photograph and thought of them. I must plan a visit at some point.

Trippin' Over

It is always about this time of the year that I want to go on a trip sooooooo bad. I would love to pack up my suitcase, get on a plane, land, and walk out to palm trees and sunshine (or freshly baked croissants and the Eiffel Tower). I am going to keep on dreaming...

Reason to Rio

This is one of the gorgeous rooms I want to stay in at the Fasano Hotel in Rio. The architecture and design of this place are to die for. It is designed entirely by Phillipe Starck, who created an exquisite blend of vintage and mid-century. Plus, you can't beat the amazing views overlooking the ocean. Ah...someday...

Warm Weather Holiday!

This year (for the first time ever) I will be traveling for Christmas. I am going to San Diego to visit my boyfriend's family. I cannot wait to leave this frigid climate for a more temperate one as well as share in their holiday traditions!

I am hoping to skate on this intriguing ice rink by the beach (located at the beautiful and historic Hotel Del Coronado):

Belgium

I am working with a group of guys from Belgium this week, and I wanted to highlight some things that this lovely country is famous for. The three most obvious of course are...chocolate:

beer:

and waffles (three of my favorite things really!):


One of the guys was trying to think of famous people from Belgium to tell me about. He came up with the Smurfs and Tin Tin!



I thought this was funny because both are fictional characters...but then again - it does look quite a bit like a fairy tale there!



Unfortunately I have only been in the Brussels airport for a layover. I look forward to a time that I can explore this beautiful country.

Parisian Cafes

I have long been obsessed with the surprisingly relaxed setting of Parisian sidewalk cafes. The crowds of patrons leisurely seated in the charming multi-colored wicker chairs among the hustle bustle of the City of Lights presents something so elusive to an outsider. I love the idea that you are surrounded by centuries deep of culture while smoking a cigarette, sipping a glass of local wine, and eating the smelliest cheese they can make. Ugh...It has just been way way way too long since I have been there. I must find a way to get abroad soon.

Window Dreaming

The view from my window looks something like this right now (minus the Paris, add the Chicago):

I found this beautiful photo on 'A Cup of Jo'

Gooseberries

When I stumbled upon the below images of adorable and plump red currents and gooseberries they immediately brought me back to my first time in Paris (oh....Paris!). The majority of the hotels there offer complimentary continental breakfast. Now this is not the typical American continental breakfast of packets of dry oatmeal, stale pastries, frozen bagels, and juice from concentrate. In France, they are serious about food - I mean I am not typically a morning person, and I would get giddy with excitement upon waking up there because I know that I soon get to eat the flaky croissants, the fresh baked bread, the tasty unpasteurized yogurt, and a steaming-hot strong cup of cafe au lait to wash it all down.

My favorite of all though - was the red current jam that they seemed to have so readily available.  I know now as an adult that we too can get this the slightly-sweet, slightly-tart fruit spread in our grocery stores in the U.S., but at that time I was used to (gag) sugary grape jelly.  I think this experience was one of the first that really made me appreciate quality food.  A Votre Sante.

Chinatown

Below is a montage of some images from Chinatown in San Francisco. It is such a bustling and culture filled part of this beautiful city.  The unusual produce, the wide array of tea blends (I brought some of the adorable rose bud tea home), and the many enticing shops of unique merchandise are all part of what brings out tourists and locals alike.
















I completely fell in love with the Bay Area, and can't wait to go back. I have to say, my muscles that are used to this flat midwest topography had a bit of trouble walking the steep inclines of San Francisco! Through all my struggles, I had so much fun exploring the vastly different neighborhoods of the city that seemed to change from block to block - not to mention the lovely moderate weather and the delicious food!

California Bound

I am headed to California bright and early tomorrow morning for a much needed vacation! I. cannot. wait. We are renting a car to drive Highway One from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Here are some things I am looking forward to seeing along the way!: