What I Love: August 2012

1.  Visits from Friends
Summer time = Visits From Friends.  We have had a spectacular time with friends and I can only hope that we have just as many fun times with friends this fall.

2.  Penny Talk by Essie
Metallic colors are back, ladies.  Essie has some fabulous colors to choose from this season.  This girl is hooked on "Penny Talk" ($8).  My only complaint is that the nail polish chips very easily (within 3-4 days).

3.  High Tea at The Lobby (Peninsula Hotel)
There is nothing better than catching up with friends over high tea.  No one does it better than The Lobby. The service, the food, the string quartet . . . is there anything not to like about the experience?  I think not.

4.  Antique Taco
My new favorite taco joint.  Here is a pic of my favorite menu item (the crispy fish tacos):

5.  Fresh Baked Bread
I purchased a bread machine in late July.  I love it so much.  I make fresh bread every Sunday evening. I use All Recipes to find most of my bread machine bread recipes and have only been disappointed once.

6.  Pretty Little Liars
OMG.  Did you see the summer finale???  My brain is still spinning out of control over the Betr-A-yal!

7.  The Art Institute of Chicago
I find it so relaxing to spend the day or even just a couple of hours at ARTIC.  The collections are incredible and the exhibits are always well done.

8.  Travelzoo
I find the BEST deals and ideas for trips on this website.  Most recently, I found (and booked!!!) an outstanding vacation package for Peru.

9.  An Organized Closet
This is really an on-going project (it is not nearly completed), but I am loving going through the things in my closet in an effort to simplify my life. 

10.  Trendy Earrings
I know I just said that I am trying to simplify my life and purchasing more earrings doesn't really seem to be in line with that goal, however, I LOVE taking "old" outfits and making them new again with a new pair of earrings!  My new favorite pair have hot pink feathers and cost a whopping $2.50 from Old Navy (I am channeling the character Aria from PLL . . . ).

SUMMER FUN-DO LIST: FINAL REPORT

Well, it is officially FALL.  Here is the final report for the Summer FUN-DO List:

1.  I'm On A Boat  DONE

Enjoying the Chicago skyline from the Chicago River is a fantastic way to pass the time.

2.  Roy Lichtenstein:  A Retrospective  DONE

Per usual, the Art Institute of Chicago presented a fantastic exhibit.  I took a few pics of my favorite pieces, but, of course, an iPhone photo just doesn't do Mr. Lichtenstein's work justice.  The man was an artistic genius.  

3.  Bike Ride to the Botanical Garden  DONE

It was a looong ride, but it was worth it!  My husband and I started out early (me on my new bike) and took our time getting there.  It was so relaxing.  We reached the gardens and decided that we were too hungry to wait until we got back from our ride to eat.  It turned out to be a great choice because the food at the gardens was fantastic.  After we ate, we walked around the rose garden and got back on our bikes to head home.  TIP:  The gardens have PLENTY of bike parking.

4.  Early Evening Concerts in Millennium Park  DONE

I ended up attending only two this summer.  Both concerts were fabulous.  I hope to attend more next year!

5.  Navy Pier Fireworks on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  FAIL

I visited Navy Pier, but it wasn't on a Wednesday or a Saturday . . . 

6.  Jazzin' at the Shedd FAIL

I let my membership expire :( 

7.  Genghis Khan: The Field Museum  DONE

I knew ZERO about Genghis Khan before visiting this (well done) exhibit at The Field.  Genghis Khan   can be credited with religious tolerance (by government), burger patties (seriously), the postal service (he created a medieval pony express system), and, of course, incredible military tactics.  The most interesting thing I learned from the exhibit?  Historical record and DNA data implies that Genghis Khan helped populate the world to the tune of 16 million men (0.5% of the world's male population).  So, it appears Genghis Khan was a lover AND a fighter . . . .

8.  Patio Time  DONE [and still enjoying]

I love patio time and I hope that the fall season allows for additional time outdoors!  Although the temperature on the walk to work this morning was a very chilly 40 degrees!  YIKES!

9.  Pedicures with my Husband  FAIL

Well, it didn't happen BUT he agreed to going for pedis SO we are going to make a date this fall for pampered feet.  SIDE NOTE:  I did get myself to the spa for some pretty feet!

10.  Day at the Pool  FAIL

I never got the "entire day" at the pool.  That's okay.  I got some pool time in and when I did it was relaxing.  

SING

"As goofy as it sounds,

I sing in the morning.

It's hard both to

SING

and maintain a grouchy mood, and it

sets a happy tone

for everyone."

- Gretchen Rubin, The Happiness Project

Labor Day Staycation

I absolutely love a good "staycation."  In my mind, I need "a special reason" to splurge on some good food and relaxation.  Well, Labor Day is as good a reason as any, I suppose.  So I took in dinner at Bite Cafe.  Bite Cafe never ceases to amaze me.  The service is always fantastic and the food is always so good you can't help but think about what you will order "next time" before you pay your check!  On this visit, I indulged in the famous fried chicken.  Absolutely magnificent.  Coffee at The Field Museum (after taking in Genghis Khan) is something I never tire of . . . sitting in the hall of such a magnificent structure . . . it's just so cool.  I never realized how spectacular the jewelry selection is in the main gift shop.  I spent an equal amount of time in the shop (needed some birthday gifts) as I did the Genghis Khan exhibit.  Sunday was spent at church and catching up with friends over brunch.  It was perfect.  And what is a staycation without a long(ish) bike ride?  I hit the Lakefront Trail on Monday morning for exercise (and a view).  What more can a girl ask for other than good food, good friends (including a significant husband), and some good (healthy) activities?