posh chicago.

as far as chicago posts go, i think i've saved the best for last. :)

on saturday evening we were walking back to our hotel and suddenly stumbled upon this store. i took simon by the arm and said: "ohhhhh! can we go in here, please?"

and from the moment we walked in, i was in heaven. i proceeded to go completely camera bananas (the lovely shop owner gave me the okay, thank goodness).

simply put, posh chicago is the sweetest little store with gorgeous vintage and flea market finds. if you're from chicago or visiting the windy city, i can't recommend it enough. i was literally in a constant state of oohing and ahhing. it was loverly.

(and in the courtyard behind the store, a wedding was taking place. adorable!)

here are some pictures:

i still can't believe i left empty-handed. (saving money can sometimes be such a drag.)

hurray for posh chicago!

bikes, fountains, buildings and elephants...

here are just a few more photos from our trip to chicago... i've been experimenting with black and white. let me know what you think!

travel tips.

no matter how much you love your new sneakers, it's probably a good idea to pack more comfortable, broken-in shoes for walking around a big city.


sit outside, sip white wine, and munch on fresh bread and salad in the sunshine. even if it's noon.



our hotel was brand new, so we got a fantastic deal, and the staff went above and beyond. i highly recommend looking for new hotels for your next travel adventure.


and our specific hotel was not only pet-friendly, (perfect for our imaginary pup) but also had a complimentary wine hour in the lounge every evening. yay!


and if you're ever in chicago and interested in visiting the top of the hancock building, skip the entry fee and simply head on up to the 96th floor and visit the restaurant and bar. beautiful view of the city.


and oh, remember to turn off the zoom when taking pictures of yourselves in the park. :)

scenes from chi-town.

hello! we're fresh back from chicago, and i'm easing back into reality by watching the boston marathon (on television) and sipping some home-brewed coffee. and of course, i am catching up on all of your lovely blogs. i missed you guys!

our weekend was incredible. chicago is an amazing city, and simon and i shamelessly ran around the city with permanent grins on our faces.

and i must say... simon is a very good travel partner. he lets me talk to strangers (which i am apt to do) and effortlessly jumps into the conversation. he also doesn't flinch when i have to stop every hour to use a bathroom, or put band aids on my feet or find a more suitable purse. :)

i took a billion pictures, so, for today, i'll show you some highlights. i'll share many more later this week!

we took a river and lake boat tour and learned all about the history of chicago and its architecture. brilliant.

we got lucky: the weather was really nice and chicago was in full bloom. so many pretty colors everywhere.

we spent several hours at the field museum and saw the world's largest t-rex!
how was your weekend?