And we're back

It's been an exhausting trip, with unexpected layovers/delays, lost baggage, and crappy airline service, but we're back and recuperating.  I hate to say it but we might need a vacation from this vacation!  None the less, we had a great time with friends and family.  

Indian Intermission



{Photo via India Beat}



No better way to start off the new year, than with another trip.  See you next week!

A Mexican Affair

And we're off to Riviera Maya for some much needed R&R, see you next week!

{photo via House of Glam & Beauty}

And we're back

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower at night- view from the Seine river boat cruise

Arc de Triomphe

Stained Glass of Notre Dame

Luxembourg Gardens- my absolute favorite spot in Paris

the iconic Louis Vuitton store on the Champs Elysees

the Louvre

the inverted pyramid

Chandelier from the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles 

the gardens at Versailles- this picture doesn't do its size or beauty any justice

And then there was the food.....crepes, baguettes, cheese or fromage, butter, macaroons, Madeline cookies, croissants..... these are a few of my favorite things...

cafe creme and an apple tart... as we waited out the rain at Versailles

baguettes and cheese, a staple in our picnics

cafe creme and cookies 

and I'm in heaven

the best falafels I've ever had- the Latin Quarter

I wish that we were still sitting at a cafe enjoying our Madeline cookies and cafe creme.  But all good things must come to an end, clearly as I'm sitting here at work.  Paris was amazing, if you're even remotely thinking of going, I would highly recommend it.  It truly is the "City of Light" ,everything from the atmosphere, to the food, and the people!  Some highlights from our trip.

Paris here we come

{photo via: Dress, Design, Decor}

In Paris for our 1 year "l'anniversaire de marriage".  We are soaking up the language, tossing back a few glasses of red, and practically inhaling the food. J'tame!

off on vacation

And we're off to London (for a wedding) and Paris (for our 1 year anniversary).  Can't wait to take in all the sights and spend time with family. Have an amazing weekend!

{photo by Corrie Bond}

Paris... here we come

I am so excited, we finally booked our trip to London & Paris!!   I can't wait to have picnics along the Seine, hopefully they'll look as lovely as this one below, oui!  Head over to Design Sponge for more Parisian Picnic inspiration and recipes for lavender jelly.

{photo credit: Design Sponge}

Wishing I Was on Vacation

Its been awhile since we've taken a vacation, and I'm daydreaming of sun, water, and beaches :)  Or in this case a trip down the Nile in your very own houseboat..heavenly!

book your vacation at Nour El Nil

Wine Bar- Denver

While in Denver this weekend we hit up a delicious wine bar, Cru.  With cheese plates, fondue, and flights for all your fancies.  Next time you're in Denver, definitely stop by.

Philly Trip Highlights

One of my favorite things to do on vaca is eat.  Here are some foodie highlights from Philadelphia.

A fantastic gelati parlor. Italian chocolate chip, thai coconut milk, dolce de leche. Yum!

 

TRIA -  wine bar and then some, with a large selection of beers, wines, and of course- cheese.

Famour Fourth Street Deli- serves breakfast all day, perfect for us.  Or try one of their huge, deli sandwiches.

Philly CheeseSteak- A must have when visiting Philly.

City of Brotherly Love

We are off to Philadelphia!! The husband and I are taking a mini vacation and spending some time in Philly before heading off to a wedding in NJ.  Be back on Monday!

Things to check out this weekend in Chicago:

Friday: After Dark at the Art Institute of Chicago.  Open till midnight for special tours of “Matisse: Radical Invention”, with music from DJ Dan Black, Midnight Conspiracy and DJ Madrid & performances from Collaboraction.

Saturday:  Sunggie Pub Crawl- admit it we all got one for secret santa/ holiday party this year.  Noon till 8PM, starts at the LionHead Pub in Lincon Park.  Don your sleeved blanket as you hop from bar to bar for drink specials, live music and prizes including VIP Lollapalooza tickets. Proceeds will benefit AC-Orphanage in Arusha, Tanzania. Participating bars include Apartment, John Barleycorn, O'Malley's and many more.

Sunday:  Architectural Artifacts Spring Show.  Chicago's antique and architectural salvage mecca hosts this juried show and benefit auction of paintings, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, paper goods and other media. The event also features a silent auction of items donated by the 60 participating artists. All proceeds support free concerts for families at Holstein Park.