Chicago

For Labor Day weekend, I hopped on a plane and met my sister and a couple friends in Chicago. I left LA Thursday night, and after a quick stopover in Phoenix, landed at O'Hare early (lucky me!) at 4:50am Friday morning. I found my way to the terminal where my sister would be arriving, plunked myself down with my iPad, a venti Caramel Macchiato, and waited for their 8:27am arrival.

Once the group was reunited, we headed to the hotel. We stayed at PUBLIC Chicago, which was incredible. The hotel was gorgeous, had an amazing restaurant The Pump Room, and even a screening room!

After dropping our bags, we headed out and grabbed probably one of the best brunches I have had in my entire life. We ate at a place near our hotel called Hash House A Go Go.

After feeding our faces, we stormed the city by foot, exploring the streets, shopping, and taking an architectural boat tour. The city is so beautiful!

Friday night, we did what every Chicago visitor must do: try deep dish pizza. We chose to eat at Lou Malnati's, and it was a great decision. The pizza wasn't something I would choose on a normal pizza eating basis, but it was delicious to try!

Saturday we saw more sights, including Millenium Park, the Bean, and of course, a bit more shopping. We had lunch at Rick Bayless' restaurant, Xoco. 

I dragged the girls to Dick's Last Resort, because we had passed it on the boat tour the previous day, and I love cheesy places like this. While I think everyone else was horrified, I loved every minute. The waitresses were sarcastic and rude, and the menu was nothing to write home about. But it was great.

To end the afternoon, we went for drinks at the rooftop of The Wit. Ranked "One of three top rooftop lounges in the world" by Travel + Leisure, we considered it a must-see. However, we were all a bit disappointed. Though the view was nice, it didn't compare to most NYC rooftops. 

Saturday night, we decided to explore Lincoln Park. We went to Webster's Wine Bar for dinner and, of course, wine. Afterwards, we went to a nearby rooftop bar at Hotel Lincoln. 

Sunday, we decided to explore Wicker Park. We ate lunch at a great mexican place called Las Palmas. 

That afternoon, we took a drive out to Hyde Park to see Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House. Unfortunately by the time we got there we missed all of the tours, but we gave ourselves an outside tour by peeking in all of the windows! 

Also on our to-do list that last day in Chicago was to try cupcakes from More cupcakes. They were delicious! 

The last thing to check-off the list was trying a Chicago hot dog. It was my sister's priority all weekend, and it finally got completed. I only had a bite, but it was so yummy! The toppings definitely made it. 

Our last night in Chi-Town, we had dinner at the hotel restaurant, The Pump Room. The food was delicious, and the restaurant was beautiful.

After dinner, we went into the hotel screening room, which we had all to ourselves. We cuddled up on the couch with big, comfy blankets, ordered a bottle of wine, and put on a Sex & the City marathon. It could not have been a more perfect end to the weekend! 

Monday morning, we awoke at the lovely hour of 4:30am and headed back to the airport. It was such an amazing, fun-filled weekend! 

Housewarming

Last Friday, my roommate and I had our housewarming party. Although we moved in almost a month ago, we've both been so busy between work and travel that we hadn't had time to settle in and play hosts.

Obviously, I was in my glory having a party. We created a spread of food, including caprese kabobs, artichoke and spinach dip, fresh homemade salsa, artichoke stuffed mushrooms, veggie platters, cheese platters, and more! We had drinks prepared and awaiting guests: sweet tea vodka and lemonade, served in a mason jar with a paper straw and a wedge of lemon.

I also had a mini-Stella and Dot trunk show going on simultaneously, so everyone could browse the goods.

Everyone had a great time, and the apartment has officially been broken in!

Beach Days

Yesterday was quite possibly one of my favorite days so far here in LA. After sleeping in, my friend Sarah and I were trying to decide where to go for lunch. Finally, we decided upon being spontaneous and heading to Malibu.

{Houses along the Pacific Coast Highway}

We picked up my friend Jesse and headed to Duke's. Unfortunately, they had an incredibly long wait. Well, not so unfortunate, because instead we went to my favorite place - Cafe Habana.

{Prickly Pear Margarita}

Afterwards, we headed to Santa Monica. It was so gorgeous out! We even walked the pier and rode the Ferris Wheel.

We ended the night at Shutters, where watched the sunset and enjoyed a bottle of wine, a spread of delicious cheeses, and of course, truffle frites.

Celebration

To celebrate moving into our new place (pics to come soon!), my roommate and I went out to a delicious celebratory dinner at Duplex on Third. It was amazing; I love it. I want to go back immediately. I had a one night stand: Hendricks, gin, basil, lime juice, muddled cucumber and agave. We started by sharing the black truffle frites and heirloom and goat cheese crostini. For my entree, I had the farro + lentil + mushroom burger, and I know it seems like all I talk about is food, but everything was so good!

So continue talking about food, just last night, I went to dinner with my aunt in Larchmont. We went to a delicious place called Cafe Gratitude. Everything on the Menu has such uplifting names (I ordered the "I AM HAPPY"), and all of the serving dishes display the phrase, "What are you grateful for?" It is all organic and vegan food, that is delicious, enjoyable, and makes you feel very, well, grateful. At the end of dinner they ask you the question of the day. Last night's question was, "What in your life makes you feel blessed?" 

Right now, I am blessed to be living in such an amazing city, and having such an incredible time!

Happy Birthday

This year was my first birthday truly on my own - away from my immediate family. Although I haven't been here long, I had great friends and family who helped me celebrate.

My day started by getting breakfast with my (Ex)Roommate and friend Jesse at S&W Diner. He had been talking about getting breakfast there since the first time I met him, so finally we went. It was delicious. It is a cute, old country-style diner, and I had a great omelette.

A few short hours later, I met my sister Nina for an amazing lunch at Tavern. The food was incredible, and the restaurant was gorgeous. We also fit in a little shopping, of course.

{Tavern}

After eating all day, I met my (current) roommate at DryBar to get our hair blown done. A glass of champagne and blowout later, I was ready for the evening!

My roommates, sister, aunt & cousin all met for a big birthday dinner at Rosa Mexicano, one of my favorite restaurants. Dinner was great, and it was so much fun being with everyone.

The night continued afterwards at The Colony. It was my first true LA nightclub experience. While the setting was very cool, I think I will stick to quieter bars and lounges from now on.

Overall, it was an incredible birthday! Thank you to all those to made it so special!

Missing In Action

So, my computer has been sick. Only a year and a half old, it was deciding to freeze whenever I tried to use it. That was if it wanted to turn on at all. Three Genius Bar visits and leaving my computer at Apple for a week later, I finally have my laptop back in working condition. Yippee! Now I have a lot to catch you up on..

Settling

This Friday the 13th, I will have officially lived here for one month. I can't believe it! Time flies! I've loved living here, although I still don't think it has kicked in that it is permanent and not just a fun summer.

I still love my internship. It is so much fun to watch outfits be constructed, and different stylists' choices for their clients. Working in the fashion world is very exciting, and so busy. I'm pretty sure my day at work today was much more vigorous than a day at the gym!

My fourth of July, I went down to Hermosa Beach for the night with some girlfriends. We all packed into a hotel room, explored the numerous bars at the pier, envied all of the amazing beach parties going on along the strand, and enjoyed a delicious dinner at the fanciest Cheesecake Factory I have ever seen. Literally, it looked like a yacht club. And we sat outside overlooking the marina..it was amazing.

(the picture doesn't even do it justice. ok, i'll stop, i get it.)

(cayle & i)

Since then, my future-roommate and I have been constantly apartment hunting. It's getting hard to keep them straight! There are a lot of pro's and con's to every single one. Some have great locations, walking distance to amazing shops and restaurants, but are a little more run-down, while others are more of a drive to exciting outings, but have great features and are very spacious. Decisions, decisions.

Apart from that, I've been spending a lot of time with Nina and the gang. Her home is so welcoming and Tempur-Pedic bed is just so impossible to refuse. I've gotten her hooked on Nip/Tuck, so we watch episode after episode late into the night, catching up on years of sister bonding time.

Most importantly this week, MY BIRTHDAY is just 5 days away! Although I'm secretly hoping to be surprised last minute by some visitor or another, I know better than to get my hopes up. I'm in the process of planning a great birthday dinner, and fun night out afterwards! I can't wait!