Where in the World?

There are some days where my mind just wanders. Today is one of those days. 

Where are my thoughts you ask? All over the world! (Surprising, I know.)

I tend to reminisce about my trip to Scotland the most. 
 It was my first time abroad and I loved every single minute of it!
 (Even when we had to hike through a blizzard!)

New York City is another place I think about a lot. 
After dreaming about traveling here for a good four years, I finally did it. 
I miss this city dearly and cannot wait to go back!

New Orleans is one of the most unique and on-of-a-kind cities I have ever been too. 
From jazz music and the French Quarter, to Jackson Square and beignets at Cafe Du Monde,
 I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to travel here twice. 



Chicago, *sigh*, you will always be one of my most favorite cities.
 After traveling here many times, this place is starting to feel like home and is a definite contender to where I may end up after college. 

For many years, my family and I would take a trip to Montana each summer. 
Hiking, horseback riding, white water rafting; we always had a wonderful, adventuresome time.  

In a mere 5 months from now, I will be living and studying in Florence, Italy.
It has been a dream of mine for so long to study abroad, so I am absolutely ecstatic!

Where does your mind like to wander to?

Happy Friday!

Coffee, Chocolate and Comics

Day 4

To kick off our last full day, we hopped on the train and headed downtown Chicago once more.

After making a Starbucks run, Dani and I navigated the streets and met up with my cousin, Alicia, for lunch at Caffe Baci. She has lived and worked in Chicago for quite some time now, so it was a lot of fun talking with her and getting insight on the city.

Hugs and goodbyes were given before Alicia headed back to work, then Dani and I went in search of a bakery to fulfill our dessert cravings! 

We stumbled upon Toni's Patisserie and Cafe; I delighted in a chocolate dome and an iced latte, 

while Dani enjoyed a chocolate éclair. It was heavenly! 

Leaving the cafe, our stomachs quite happier, we walked only a couple blocks until we reached Millennium Park. Here we spent time taking pictures at the bean (shocker, right?) and cooling off by The Crown Fountain.

 

 Before heading back to the train, we found a cool comic book store which reminded me a lot of the one in 

The Big Bang Theory!

We took the train back to Dani's cousins house in Winnetka, freshened up a bit, then hopped in the car and headed to her other cousins house in Hinsdale.

A wonderful meal was prepared for us, along with delicious s'mores to end our last night in Illinois. 

The Shores of Lake Michigan

Day 3

Day three began with breakfast and coffee on the deck, then followed with a walk to the beach.

Our day was wonderfully spent on the shores of Lake Michigan were we swam, hung out on the sand and took pictures, naturally. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather! 

Following our time at the beach, a few of us drove over to Northwestern University and wandered around the beautiful campus. Noticing the skies darkening, we made our way back to the car, just barley escaping a massive rainstorm. Once back at the house, we ordered pizza and settled in for a relaxing evening. 

My kind of town, Chicago is.

Day 2

The morning of day two began with iced lattes and a trip to downtown Chicago.
We ate breakfast at the The Bongo Room, where they had breakfast that was just to die for! 
I enjoyed a veggie and egg croissant sandwich, while Dani had a a heaping plate of pancakes.

Next, it was off to the Field Museum and Soldier Field.

Wandering aimlessly around the museum, we learned about our evolving planet, saw some dinosaurs and ambled through tombs filled with mummies. 

After stopping in the pro shop to stock up on some Bears gear, we drove to Navy Pier. 

To get escape the sun for a bit and get a better look of the Chicago skyline, we took a ride on the ferris wheel! The sights from the top were breathtaking. Panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan were before us. 
I could have easily stayed up there all day!

Before leaving the pier, an ice cream treat was a must! We then headed back to the car 
and took a scenic route home on Lake Shore Drive.

Our evening was spent with good food, soccer in the front yard, and reading Harry Potter to the kids for their bedtime story.

Hello Chicago!

Day 1

 After a 6 a.m. wake up call, Starbucks run, and 5 hour drive from Minneapolis, we had arrived at our destination; Winnetka, IL (only a short train or car ride to Chicago). 

We spent the day admiring the charming, colonial looking houses which overlook Lake Michigan.

 I have most certainly fallen in love with this area! Shopping and exploring downtown Winnetka was next on our list, along with hanging out with Dani's adorable little cousins. 

Later in the evening we enjoyed a delicious meal at Miramar Bistro;

 where we relished over a variety of sea food, then ended the night with cappuccinos and chocolate for dessert.  

Once back at the house, we settled in for some much needed sleep.

Lets talk packing!

I'm heading off to one of my favorite cities today: Chicago! 
And even better yet, I’m traveling with my best friend!

Years of traveling has taught me a thing or two about packing. From bringing a 2-weeks supply of clothes for a 5-day vacation to California, to packing in only a carry-on for my 9-day trip to Scotland; it’s safe to say I’ve come a long way.

The key to successfully packing light...

1. Pack one outfit per day. Keep it chic and simple.

2. Have versatile pieces and stick to colors and patterns that mix and layer easily. 

3. Bring comfortable, functional (and stylish) footwear. 

You can easily make do with two pairs, one casual and one dressier.  

4. Accessories increase your outfit options.

No one will ever notice if you wear a shirt twice, as long as you style it differently. 

(Scarves are always my go-to, even in the summer!) 

5. Keep toiletries to a minimum. 

They can take up a large amount of space in your luggage, so consider using travel sized moisturizers, deodorants and other similar products. 

Here's a little look at what I'll be bringing with me.

Stay tuned for updates on my time in Chicago!