New Orleans - Labor Day 2014

It's no secret. We love to go to New Orleans every chance we get. With Domenica, my favorite restaurant, next door and a rooftop pool, The Roosevelt is our favorite place to stay.

Pretty Little Chicago - Summer 2014

The original reason we planned a trip to Chicago was a Valentine's gift from Wesley: Katy Perry concert tickets. But our trip was so much more than that and after experiencing the concert the first night we were there, it only went uphill from there.

Who knew Katy Perry's fans were all young little girls?! We were definitely shocked to be in the midst of what was a sea of elementary school girls. Katy I love your music but your concerts are awkward for a 30 year old!

When we arrived at The Ritz Carlton the day of the concert, we got settled in to our gorgeous room and then headed straight to have a few drinks at their rooftop bar, chatting with the bartender and sitting in the sun (it was chilly if not!). We fit in an early dinner at RPM Italian before the concert had delicious drinks and amazing prosciutto. No sign of Giuliana or Bill.


The morning after we walked around the city and the line for Starbucks was insane. It may have taken us all day to get through that line so we went to the next best place that ended up having cute yellow coffee tops and the best hot fruit tea I've ever had. Wesley's was iced and something with ginger and I'm pretty sure I even loved his more.

We relaxed in Millennium Park and then grabbed a taxi to brunch at Summerhouse. Loved this place so much. It was the quintessential trendy girl's brunch spot, but the food and drinks were so good, I don't think Wesley even noticed he was outnumbered.

At least I didn't yell out hotty toddy and just took a discreet picture instead. :)

Next on the agenda was the J. Parker rooftop bar. This was quite the happening place and so much fun.

The next morning we started our day off with a little coffee at Little Goat. It was right next door to our planned lunch spot.

One of the best meals was Au Cheval, the restaurant next door. Their burger is named "Best in America" so of course it had to be the best meal. Au Cheval is small, dark and quaint and we ate that wonderful burger, fries topped with a fried egg, and of course not without a bloody mary on the side.

Off to take our full bellies to the ballpark. We took the subway with the rest of Chicago to go see the Cubs at Wrigley Field!

Grabbed some gear from the shop across the street and you could've mistaken us for Cub fans :)

The game was a blast and actually went into extra innings. We stopped on the way back to the subway at a few insane sports bars, but sat down at a more sane one for appetizers before heading back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. If you are not constantly eating and drinking, what kind of fun are you having?!

After dinner we braved the top floor, actually the Signature Lounge on the 96th, of the John Hancock Center for drinks. It was quite the view but incredibly unsettling for both of us. The ladies restroom outer wall was entirely glass from floor to ceiling and lined the stalls. It was fascinating and scary all at the same time.

Our last meal was brunch at Waldorf Astoria followed by shopping Michigan Ave.

Chicago was a great summer trip and I loved that City!

summer sandals

I saw these gold Sam Edelman sandals on The Life Styled blog. I wasn't sure if it was just me wanting to jump into the picture and be Catherine Sheppard or if I was just lusting over her sandals. 

They seemed so dressy, yet casual at the same time, and even though I had seen them before, they had never caught my attention like they did in her pictures, so I searched and found them, and purchased them for myself.  I have to say, they are even prettier in person.

While I was getting them, I saw these other colorful ones on clearance for basically nothing. So, I added them to my basket.

I was worried they were too "out there" to go with anything, but for the price, I risked it. Turns out they seem to go just fine with just about anything...neutrals, a solid colored summer dress, and even a little pattern mixing would be fun to try too.

i already want to go back

This quick little weekend getaway was exactly what I was hoping for. Nothing but peaceful walks along the bay watching sunsets and relaxing by the pool (or in the pool) from 10AM until 5PM. Another plus was that I ended up having some of the best meals I've ever had!

 

The last night we tried a sushi place in downtown Fairhope. Wesley's was topped with strips of filet and mine with strawberries. We both agreed it was some of the best sushi we have had. On the way home, we held out for a late lunch at Felix's. My meal went a little like this: lump crab soup appetizer, fried green tomatoes with comeback sauce topped with crab cakes and then the coconut shrimp.That place is worth the wait for sure.

I can't wait to go back and do it all over again.