The last two days in Chicago were a whirlwind. The Bridgeport Art Center was a wonderful location for Renegade, and even included a distant view of the city. (Take a look at Monday's post to see my favorite vendors.) After a long day exploring the fair we headed back downtown in order to make our dinner reservation at RPM Italian. It's as good as it sounds, definitely recommended. For dessert we tried More cupcakes, and along the way I discovered P.O.S.H. which couldn't have had a lovelier selection of holiday goods. I would love to visit again. The last morning included a stop at the bean, and then back to KC! This was such an inspiring trip, hopefully I will find myself in the Windy City again soon.
Chicago: Day Two
Day two in Chicago was spent exploring the Wicker Park/Bucktown area. I discovered some wonderful shops AND Jeni's Ice Cream (self-described as splendid, and I would have to agree). If you find yourself in the area, stop in Paper Doll, One Strange Bird, Store B Vintage, Una Mae's, and Greer Chicago. After visiting all these places we headed back downtown and stopped by Sprinkles, Anthropologie, and made our way to Gino's East for dinner. The evening ended with a walk by Macy's to take a look at their beautiful holiday window displays. Be on the lookout for a recap from Renegade tomorrow!
Chicago: Day One
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!)
