A winter visit to Chicago

Last week, David and I travelled to Chicago to spend the week while he took another class at The Appraisal Institute. We've visited Chicago before, so we were excited to be able to spend some time there again! And I love vacation time with my David because we get to spend so much time together! During the day, I tooled around and explored, and at night, we always had plenty of things to chose from to do. Here's a {long} post about our adventure in The Windy City!

Our great little hotel, The Amalfi



The lobby of the hotel....fun!

After arriving late Sunday evening, we grabbed a bite at Harry Carey's. Its a great Italian restaurant.

On Monday after David's class, we walked around Millennium Park near the Art Institute of Chicago Museum

We were able to see The Bean

And the ice skaters

After braving the freezing winds at Millennium Park, we headed to Macy's to grab some ear muffs and to have dinner.

The Christmas tree in the Walnut Room restaurant

Real Chicago pizza at State Street Pizza

I had been dying to explore this antique store - The Golden Triangle. It houses antiques and contemporary furnishings from France, Hungary, and Thailand in a building that spans an entire block.

I loved this terra cotta pagoda...wouldn't fit in my suitcase though.

They had some great pairs of Foo Dogs. I took this picture for Kim. However, I think the ones she wants are a little smaller than these big guys.

And I loved these Asian men...the color turquoise was just gorgeous.

But, the price tag was insane!

This exhibit at the History Museum was right up my alley!

And I was able to learn a little about Chicago's history in the exhibit which told about its stockyards. This was interesting to me because my grandfather Datee took my Dad to these stockyards when he was little.

The cow on the right in the middle is my favorite breed, the Hereford.

While there were just a few flurries while we were in town, the snow that had already fallen never melted - it was beautiful!

I enjoyed taking a stroll through these residential streets....wonder which one Guiliana and Bill live in?

Me and the view from our room!

We headed to the local movie theater to see Black Swan. It was so good - intense!

And after the movie, we had cheese and chocolate at Eno. This is my kind of dinner!

I spent an afternoon walking down Michigan Avenue, Chicago's Magnificent Mile. I had a ball walking through the American Girl store - even though "my" Samantha has been placed into the Historical Archives now....makes me feel a little bit old!

We grabbed a quick bite at Keefer's before heading to our show....

Million Dollar Quartet! Its the story of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins; and their session together on December 4th, 1956 in Memphis. It was an awesome show!

On Thursday, I had some time to kill, so I hit up the indie theater to see the last movie in Steig Larsson's Swedish trilogy...and it was awesome too!

Our last dinner was spent at Fulton's on the River. It was wonderful! The snow was falling outside while we overlooked the river.

It was a great week to spend together in Chicago...and I couldn't be more proud of David!

Books I've enjoyed

I have just completed the last book in Nora Roberts' Bride Quartet, Savor the Moment then Happy Ever After. I loved every girly, indulgent, feminine word on the page. If you're up for it, these are total chick-lit!

David and I both read the Stieg Larsson trilogy over the summer. The books are very long and very detailed in their story-telling, but totally worth forging through. The title character, Lisbeth Salander, will have you on the edge the whole time! These books are more conducive for men, while the Nora Roberts books are for us girly girls only!

I love picturing characters and who Hollywood would cast in their parts. For the Bride Quartet, Lauren and I have talked a little about who would play who...they're all supposed to be really attractive, so A-listers for sure! David and I have seen the Swedish version of The Girl Who Played with Fire - and loved every minute of it; subtitles and all. So having seen that movie, it made it easier to picture the players while reading the third book. I am searching for a few new books to sink my teeth into over the holidays....any suggestions? I have The Help and The Shack lined up on my Kindle, but welcome any other recommendations!

Christmas shopping

Taking a cue from my Hollie, I came up with a few gift ideas if you're struggling with something for that laaaaast name on your list. I love having a little something to bring to a hostess during the holidays too...hope you like these fun finds as much as me!

Silver beaded monogrammed frames from Pottery Barn. Everyone loves to have their family photos displayed beautifully.

A beautiful picnic basket from Picnic Fun. David and I received one of these for a wedding gift, and we use it all the time! Hello tailgates!  

A set of lush monogrammed towels from Land's End. I have several sets of these from over the years, and they still look new after all my washings.

One of several feminine or masculine scents from Belle Fleur. My mom gave me one of these last year, and not only do they smell fantastic, but a sweet little match box comes with each candle!

This over-the-top coffee table book at Neiman Marcus. Who doesn't need his and hers helicopters?

A set of monogrammed wine glasses at Pottery Barn. I gave these to my dad and my father-in-law a few years ago, and its all they use now!

My amazing, handy, slim shaped, convenient Kindle is always with me!

I love pretty mailing labels...or labeling anything for that matter!

And I do love love love a hand-written note. What's more chic than saying Thank You in French?

These 12 days of Christmas ornaments from Waterford would be a treasure for any family!

How nifty is this little guy? Solves so many problems in the car!!!!

And these 12 days of Christmas ornaments have a little more whimsical feel for children.