Happy New Year!

Finally back from an amazing week in Costa Rica- more posts to follow. But as I'm in the middle of a road trip and nearing midnight, I thought I'd post one of my resolutions...

I need to worry less, trust myself, and follow the path life has laid out for me one step at a time and fully immerse myself in the moment. 

What cures a bad day?

Santa was too good to me this year. And after a rough day at the office, I got a head start on packing to cheer me up! Destination Christmas, I'm ready for you!! 

Ps. Stay tuned for more details :) 

Workin'

Beach vacation in one week. Workin' the abs. 

Black Sheep

Stopped in at a new restaurant downtown- Black Sheep. Loved the ambiance- classy, yet laid back. Perfect for a chill date night!

The Sea Salt 'n' Pepper fries with sriracha mayo were fantastic!

We also split the foodie and the ugly cheeseburger. 

They have boozy shakes but we just couldn't bring ourselves to try them. No room and the thought of ice cream with alcohol made my stomach churn. Overall, awesome restaurant. Excited to go back! 

My heart.

I miss him so much it hurts, even more so tonight.

Bright Chicago morning

Spent our last morning in Chicago just walking around. Milton Lee Olive Park has the best views! 

Could have stayed there all day!

Saturday in Chicago

After the Bastille concert Friday night, we had the rest of the weekend to enjoy Chicago. And that we did! I can't believe we were able to fit so much in. 

Chicago is beautiful. Chicago at Chrirtmas is heaven.

The Water Tower.

The Christmas Tree by Millenium Park.

The Bean.

Millenium Park.

Wandered over to Christkindl Market. Loved the feel of being in Germany again and enjoyed a mug of warm, spiced wine.

Dinner at The Franklin Room was delicious. A cheese board and duck liver pate. My mouth was in heaven. 

We continued the speakeasy theme of the night and headed to the Green Door Tavern. Pretty neat place with a hidden gem of you know how to find it!

Definitely a packed day but so worth it. A wonderful day in an amazing city!

Bastille

I've literally been trying to see Bastille in concert for two years now. We had tickets a couple of years ago but the concert got cancelled. They just don't make it out to the Midwest much. Hubby found out they were coming to Chicago and surprised me with a weekend getaway as an early Christmas present. Best present ever!

Aragon is a gorgeous venue!!

Bastille was amazing in concert. By far, the best concert I've ever been to! Can't stop watching the videos I took. Just that good! 

Perfect Friday Lunch in Chicago

Beer, Chicago dogs, Jenga, and Ping Pong. What more can a girl ask for? Just starting out an awesome weekend at Streeter's Tavern in Chicago! 

Thursday Night Weekend Kickoff

Kicking off an awesome long weekend with beer, football, and an amazing Burnt Chicken Salad at our favorite Falstaff's!

Can't beat this!!

I never knew my heart could hurt so much.

Two weeks ago, almost to this moment, my grandpa passed away. My heart still aches in a way I never knew possible even though my tears have subsided. 

I was his world. He made me feel special. He took me fishing, counted cars with me, let me nap in his lap every afternoon, rubbed my leg to ease the stabbing growing pains. He built a whole playground for me. A merry-go-round, a sandbox, my very own playhouse. 

I can still hear his voice in my head, and I'm holding onto it as hard as I can. So scared it will slip away.

I'm so very thankful for our last moments together. Holding his hand there in the hospital when neither of us could speak. 

I just can't believe he's gone. My heart hurts. I experienced truly unconditional love from this man. He always accepted me, loved me, and supported me with everything that he had. I am so lucky to have called him Grandpa. 

Happy Black Friday!

After a great day of eating and relaxing with all my family (literally all- stopped at 5 places) I'm back in the office for a quiet, productive workday and a great lunch workout to burn off all my aunt's delicious rolls I ate yesterday (and for breakfast, let's be honest!). 

Quick Chicago Trip

Chicago is one of my favorite places. Even though I was out in the suburbs, it was still a great trip.

I had some extra time before meetings so I took some time to read and relax at a Starbucks in Ohare.

Cab driver took a few years off my life by looking up my hotel address in this lovely book while maneuvering traffic.

Marriott Suites in Deerfield was a nice surprise. They let me check in early which gave some more time for relaxing before meetings. Loved how the bedroom was separate from the living area. Definitely one of the cozier hotel rooms I've stayed in.

After an afternoon of meetings, we headed to a casual dinner at Wildfire. I was a little too excited for scarf and boot weather.

The salmon was amazing! Everything on the menu was delicious. Artichoke dip. Crab cakes. Chopped salad. I'm not sure what dessert was, but it was chocolate and heavenly.

After such a delicious dinner, I headed to bed early so I could hit the hotel gym for a quick workout the next morning. I was even more impressed with this hotel's gym. Tons of equipment, even weights! Practically had the whole thing to myself. Quick weights, short run, topped off with running a few flights of stairs. 

Then off to meetings in a comfy yet professional outfit that I could wear straight to the airport. 

Overall, a quick, relaxing, and productive work trip in Chicago! 

Feelings...

Eating my feelings tonight. Gave up halfway through the recipe and just dumped things in the pot. Turned out well, but if you're not overwhelmed by the feels, here's the link: http://17andbaking.com/2013/06/13/smores-rice-krispies/

Starting Out.