Windy City Weekend

Linking up for Weekend Update!

 

We certainly did make a quick to Chicago this weekend. Unfortunately for me (but not Tyler), I didn't get to shop like I had hoped. I popped in Nordstrom Rack and Anthropologie, but came back empty handed!

Tyler's college roommate and groomsmen, Jack, lives in Chicago and we wanted to go see him! Friday was his birthday so that was the ideal to go!

We went up Saturday after boarding Sarge at the vet and having to turn around to make sure the garage door was down! Oops. Traffic was surprisingly not too bad on the way there, but it did drizzle the whole 3 hours!

If you didn't know, parking in Chicago is awful! We bought some crazy parking pass, but wasn't sure if we were in the right spot and I didn't want my car towed. That took a while and then we headed to Bar on Buena for lunch and drinks. I had a delicious grilled cheese!

 

We hopped on the metro and headed downtown to Michigan Avenue. I was so excited to get to shop, but with 2 boys, that didn't really happen.

 

I got this pic in Anthropologie-- so now cotton is "in"? That is too funny! I have mounds and mounds of cotton, so I guess my taste is in style.

 

Jack showed us his office and then we headed to Lincoln Park for their zoo lights.

 

 

Our lights at home are pretty impressive and I won't lie.... I think Riverbanks Zoo's are better! Guess thats what you get for something free in Chicago?

 

 

I snapped this pic of the guys as they were checking out the duck pond.... of course!

 

We got hungry, so headed to dinner. Tyler wanted Italian and my goodness we found the best Italian place! I would highly recommend Topo Gigio Ristorante in the Old Town neighborhood.

 

After dinner, we went to Second City for a comedy show in the Up Comedy Club. Loni Love was the main comedian and two other guys opened up for her. They were hysterical! If you've never been to a comedy show before, I recommend it!!

 

 

Tyler with Ralph Porter who was one of the opening acts. Not sure what he is famous for, but Loni Love is a regular panelist on E!s hit show "Chelsea Lately" and TruTV's Presents: The World's Dumbest".

 

A few buckets of Coronas were consumed, then we headed to the Wiener's Circle... A hot dog stand where the workers scream at you and yell profanities. It was hysterical!

 

Sunday morning we slept in some and then headed to brunch at Big Jones in the Andersonville neighborhood. I had the best pancakes EVER!

 

 

Apple streudal pancakes... Hellooooooo delicious!

 

They even served South Carolina rice and grits!!

 

 

We had a really fun time and I'm so glad we got to hang out with Jack!!

 

We hit Cabelas (uh) on the way home, then back to the country we went!

 

 What did you do this weekend?

 

 

 

Chicago Tomorrow!

I loved Chicago at Christmas time last year. Unfortunately I had to go for work so I didn't get to shop around like I wanted.

December 10 is mine and Tyler's 2 year anniversary (last dating one before we are married!!), so we are going tomorrow for a quick trip! Today is one of his friends' and groomsman's birthday so we will get to celebrate with him too!

I have finished all of my Christmas shopping, so this will be just a fun trip! I hope the weather is nice and I don't freeze!

I can't wait to hang out on Michigan Avenue and have a fun weekend!

Where is your favorite place to go in Chicago? I'm mapping out my favorite spots, but I want your opinion!



source

 

Last year in Chicago

 

View from the John Hancock

On my list to hit shopping:

Norstrom Rack
Anthropologie
Nordstrom
Tory Burch
Crate & Barrel
Bloomingdales
Brooks Brothers
Cole Haan
Saks
F21


Where else to go!? Where to go eat!? Not that I need to buy ANYTHING, but it is still fun to go and "window shop" right??

Let me know!!!



 

Impromptu Chicago!

Earlier this week, Tyler and I decided to take a trip to Chicago for the weekend! We weren't sure if we were going to make it because of the snowstorm, but we went for it anyways and had a blast!

It was freezing! 

Chicago is about 2.5 hours- very easy for a quick weekend trip!

Saturday, we met his cousin Sheri in the city and she  had lots of brochures and suggestions for us! We ate lunch at the John Hancock on the 95th floor. It was such an awesome view. Then we headed down Michigan Avenue for some shopping. My goal was to find some rain/snow boots because I didn't want to ruin my new Uggs. I didn't find any yesterday, but I did have fun looking at all of the fun and expensive things that I can't afford! Window shopping at its best!

pre-dinner

For dinner, we went to the Rosebud Steakhouse for a delicious dinner and then back to the John Hancock for drinks. I can't describe how beautiful the city was all lit up.

Excuse the weird reflections! But isn't that incredible!?!? View from 96 stories up!

I had the most delicious martini EVER! It was a pumpkin cheesecake martini and worth every penny!

Today, we finished some shopping on Michigan Avenue. I was disappointed that I hadn't found anything to buy, so I went BACK to Nordstrom Rack.. Still no luck! Tyler was such a good trooper following me around the city!

During our outing, I experienced something unfortunate. I missed the signs that said:

AND I GOT HIT BY FALLING SNOW! Ouch.

I still have a headache and as much as I wanted to cry, I had to burst out laughing because that would only happen to me! I was so thankful it didn't hit the twins in the stroller behind me! Good thing I have a hard head!

After a fabulous shopping spree at Anthropologie where I found these cute things, we headed out of the city and to Cabelas (I found it only fair to Ty!)

atom art bowl

curvy chrysanthemum vase

pave posts

{via anthropologie.com}

I had too much fun. Luckily, I only had about 20 minutes to shop around. I would have been in trouble if I had longer!

Next was our stop at Cabelas, to be fair of course.. And guess who bought nothing- HIM! And guess who bought something- ME! I finally found some rain/snow boots! Let me introduce you to Bogs, my new boots!

I know they might look kind of silly, but I am freezing, have no snow shoes, and Tyler's cousin highly recommended them to me! We looked ALL over the city for them, and BOOM I found them at Cabelas.. ON SALE! Yippee!

So, there you have our spur of the moment Chicago trip! Sorry for the random photos! We had such a good time. Sometimes you just gotta get out of the country and explore the city (and shop!)!

Have you been to the Windy City? What is your favorite thing to do there? Any suggestions for next time!?

Ta ta,