Hello from the windy city! I am spending a few days in Chicago and it is so much fun to be in a different city during the holidays. Today's highlights included a trip to Eataly (a must visit for any other pasta lovers) and strolling through Nordstrom/other shops on Michigan Ave. I especially loved Opening Ceremony's Pop-Up Shop. I can't wait to see what else the rest of the trip will bring!
October Around The Web
October has been an inspirational month for me. I have started a super exciting project at work, and I have tried to embrace the beautiful fall weather before we head into winter here in the midwest. One of my favorite discoveries this month was Andy J. Miller's Creative Pep Talk Podcast. I have only listened to one episode so far, but I can tell this is going to be one of my new favorite podcasts (although it is really only new to me). Here are a few of my other favorite finds this October:
I once had a layover in Iceland on my way home from London, and have always regretted not stopping for a night or two. Elise's (A Beautiful Mess) pictures really have me hoping someday I will get the chance!
It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas (especially when you work for Hallmark), and I love these ornaments by Ampersand Design Studio available at The Land of Nod.
National Cat Day was this week and I am obsessed with these.
I love this guide to pumpkin varieties.
If you haven't read/listened to/heard of Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert it is a must read for anyone who thinks of themselves as creative or wants to bring more creativity into their life. I listened via Audible and loved it so much I am now the proud owner of a hard copy.
These cards are beautiful!
Also this book is beautiful, much like everything else from Rifle Paper Co.
There has been a ton of awesome Halloween inspiration on the Think.Make.Share. blog this month. Here is my favorite.
Happy Halloween!
Sophie in St. Louis
This weekend my sister, Sophie, visited St. Louis! She is one of the rare few who can convince me to cook Pinterest recipes, and I'm sure glad she did because we ate WELL. If gnocchi mac & cheese isn't enough, she also made coffee cake. We spent some time exploring the city, highlights being a visit to Flowers & Weeds, and a trip to the CAM. I also spent some time with my watercolors, which was a nice break after a busy work week full of computer time. Here are a few snapshots from our sister-bonding weekend!
13:1 Lost in Translation
I recently decided it was time to take some better photos of the letterpress book I created way back when I studied abroad in Italy. This trip was one of my most memorable college experiences, and the opportunity to take a letterpress workshop at the Tipoteca Italiana was definitely a highlight. (I also couldn't resist including the beautiful flowers I picked up at Flowers & Weeds. If you find yourself in St. Louis check out their new space!)
26 Letters 26,000 Miles
You are most likely familiar with Lauren Hom's work, her lettering seems to be everywhere! She recently announced she will be spending a year traveling the world, and she has created a series of travel posters to help fund her expenses. Head on over to the 26 Letters 26,000 Miles website to learn more, but I will be purchasing this one. With my love of letters and traveling, what better endeavor to support!
Santorini: Part Two
As I mentioned in my last post, Dale and I spent our third morning in Oia. We then headed back to the San Antonio to enjoy breakfast and a massage. Afterwards we relaxed at the pool before heading out on a sunset cruise around the caldera! We had a great time meeting other honeymooners and even swam in the hot springs of the former volcano. I loved our view of the red beach from our boat. We were worn out after the cruise and slept in the next morning. After a late breakfast we rented a car and drove around the island. We stopped in the village of Pyrgos, the former capital.
After exploring Pyrgos we drove to the highest point on the island to enjoy the view. We drove down the mountain, and then back up again to see Ancient Thera. It was a pretty crazy road up, and once we reached the top realized it had already closed, but it was still a great adventure! For dinner we drove to Kamari which was a fun beach town. After enjoying a beer under the umbrellas we found a restaurant and enjoyed some spaghetti and a gyro. Wanting to make the most of our rental car, we made one last stop in Imerovigli to hike out to Skaros Rock. This was by far my favorite spot to watch the sunset.
Our last full day on the island was spent driving some more around the island in the morning, and relaxing at the pool in the afternoon. We ordered room service that evening to celebrate the end of our trip. We truly had the best time in Greece, we will never forget our time spent in Athens or on the beautiful island of Santorini!