so chicago was... amazing.  that word doesn't really begin to touch on the experience.  it was... phenomenal.   no - that does not really do it either.  

~ after den picked me up from the airport, we headed straight for gino's east on north lincoln - my favorite deep dish pizza in the city.  then took advantage of the late hours at the art institute and caught the matisse exhibit - then settled into our room at the amalfi hotel - stocked with aveda products {!}

~ the next morning we got up early and had breakfast at yolk - i ordered the eggs benedict with grilled salmon - it was crazy good.  upon a feverish recommendation from martha, we then headed to bucktown to robin richman.  as we waited for the shop to open we popped into the red balloon and found a few goodies for the girls.  at robin richman - i about died.  nearly everything is black, white or grey - the jewelry is some of the most unique i have ever seen - the shoes - oh god, the shoes.  i think it is officially my favorite store.  ever.  and these boots are at the top of my wish list. 

~ from there we took a cab to jeff's studio.  i have written about jeff's work before - i feel incredibly blessed to not only have a mentor in jeff, but a fan of my work - it is very humbling.  i was able to watch him work {amazing!} and hang out with his truly fantastic team.  andrea is a prop stylist that he works with often - warm and friendly - she gave us some of THE best food recommendations ever!  pouke, a san francisco based food stylist, was also a part of the team that day.  we bonded immediately and giggled like school girls over iphone photo applications.  and then there is dana - jeff's beautiful daughter who helps keep the studio running like clockwork; i am completely crushing on her and can't wait to chat more about the beauty of a life less ordinary.  it was a magical afternoon.

~ we took a cab to wicker park and began to explore.  i found the most killer pair of victorian booties at niche {thank you leah for the recommendation!} and loved browsing the racks at the buffalo exchange.  and then... there was dinner at avec {another of martha's suggestions} - how does one begin to describe dinner at avec?  just go there when you are in chicago and find out.  they also stocked our favorite sardinian wine - so they officially have my love forever.  we finished the evening with a champagne cocktail at pops for champagne - a champagne bar that happened to be airing the blackhawks game.  champagne and hockey?  holy heaven.

~ the next day we grabbed a quick coffee and spent the morning exploring the art institute yet again - i could live there if you haven't noticed. for lunch we took a cab across town to kuma's corner {upon the thankful recommendation of andrea!} - it is a heavy metal hamburger bar.  yes, i am serious.  and yes, the best burger i have ever eaten in my life.  and let me tell you a little secret.  i have eaten a lot of cheeseburgers.  a lot.  even arriving just after they opened at 11:30 - there was still a one hour wait but we were assured it was worth it - so we waited.  the metal is loud, the place is packed, the bbq pork fries are to DIE for, all of the burgers are named for metal bands and are literally two inches thick.  did i mention it was best burger?  ever?

~ we attempted to walk off the meal - little did we know that would take two days.  in the meantime we spent the rest of the afternoon exploring bucktown and wicker park a bit more.  had an amazing bonding experience with the incredibly inspirational owner of virtu; we refueled at the goddess and the grocer with a peanut butter and chocolate latte then thought we might be able to squeeze in just one little taco at the neighborhoods best kept secret - big star.

~ as we began to wander down north milwaukee to head back downtown, we passed metamorph.  i am sure you can guess what happened next.  i was lucky enough that apryl jenkins {she is WICKED talented} was waiting on an appointment that had not yet showed - and she took me.  i love my new ink and it was so much fun hanging out with the artists - it is a fantastic shop.  after that we caught a late showing of clash of the titans and passed out.  it was the best weekend and our first alone since children that was not work related - so worth the wait.

i came home to quickly putting together a birthday party for my ayla eve who turned four yesterday.  we threw her a yellow submarine surprise party - it was so much fun watching her reactions to not only her friends surprising her, but our transformed dining room that was meant to act as the yellow submarine.

oh, and that splash of green and lilac above?  martha and i are at it again - this time for ecotrust - there are only a few sets left so hurry, hurry!

xoox~jla

Comments

[Den]

:)

[Amanda]

Sounds like a magical weekend, love.
You certainly didn't waste your time either hehe
A yellow submarine party sounds mighty awesome.

[vanessa joie]

It sounds like the perfect weekend. And those boots.... I think I'm in love.

[hayley Bustos]

Thanks for this lovely post! I live an hour south of Chicago and it gave me some wonderful suggestions for restaurants to try. RR is one of my all time fav boutiques in Chicago! I would love to see a pic of your new ink!!
Hayley
http://clutchingurchins.blogspot.com/

[the purcells]

sounds like a fabulous birthday weekend!

[jen]

sounds like a magical weekend! would love to see pics of your new tattoo!

[jla]

i think magical was the word of the weekend ;) xoox

[Lolo]

Sounds like you had a wonderful time!

www.loloholmes.tumblr.com

[Anna]

I'm just doing all my catch up on your blog (which is my favorite) ;-) What an awesome time...topping it off with a new permanent memory seems like the stars were aligned. Haha...really!!!

[elle moss]

gorgeous!

[Suzanne]

I am so in love with this picture! The quality of your pictures is so dreamy!