Oregon Trail - Day Three

Oregon Trail - Day Three
August 30, 2009
States: SD, WY, MT

This morning was another early morning for me. I was up and showered before 7:30am. I spent some time organizing my pictures and blogging while KMD got ready. Breakfast was communal style at the B&B. We had a strada (eh), yogurt, fruit and granola mixed together (like crack to me), cheese and bread. Very Euro. It was good and we sat with our new besties, Bev and Mary. Before we left, Bev approached us with her 'business card' and asked us to keep in touch. We felt this gesture warranted a picture with them. Bev kept saying we felt like her family. Weird, but nice. After saying our goodbyes, we took off for Mt. Rushmore.
The B&B:

This was what we drove along out of the black hills:


Mt. Rushmore was amazing. As we drove up the hill to the monument, we turned a curve and there it was! We stopped for a picture and kept going to the parking lot. Mt. Rushmore was very majestic. We walked through The Avenue of Flags. I loved walking through all the flags of the states and then Mt. Rushmore appears. I took a lot of pictures from different angles and spot around the park.
The Avenue of Flags:

Mt. Rushmore:

Departing, Mt. Rushmore we headed to Deadwood. Mostly, because ECW really wanted us to go there. He loves the show and we love him, so of course we had to stop. It was very cute and almost looked like the backlot of a movie studio. The weirdest part was everything was a casino. I mean everything. Every hotel,shop, bar - had slots and tables. We struggled for a while to find a place to eat. It was harder than you would think. Finally, we ended up at this dive bar (to us, others probably liked it) with bar food. This was the same place Buffalo Bill was shot. At least that was interesting.

Upon finishing our meal, we really needed to hit the road and get some miles under our belt. We went through the northern portion of Wyoming and it was less than beautiful, but my cell service was amazing. Most of SD, it was dicey. We paused in Billings, MT for a quick dinner and then headed to Bozeman. We stopped in Bozeman for the night.

After leaving Deadwood, this is the most time we spent in the car just driving with no sightseeing detours. It sounds like a lot, but there was lots of laughing, reading gossip blogs and chatting.

Good Night - I'm Dozing in Bozeman.

Oregon Trail - Day Two

Oregon Trail - Day Two
August 29, 2009
States: SD

KMD and I woke up early on Saturday, packed the car and headed off for the Falls of Sioux Falls. As we drove into Park Falls you could tell, they were going to be lovely. The falls were beautiful. We walked around for a few minutes and then headed back downtown for breakfast.

At first we were a little nervous because not that much seemed to be open, but KMD spotted this little cafe that looked just like 'us'. It was Cafe 334. We checked out the menu and headed inside. We were able to sit by the window and enjoy the scenery. Cafe 334 has pained little blue dish and little purple octopi on the storefront window.

They also had a sidewalk chalk advertisement out front. Sidewalk chalk as a special place in my big girl heart. During college, we also used sidewalk chalk to advertise our events. After a yummy breakfast of eggs, tomatoes, bacon and homemade english muffin's, we headed off in search of postcards. (I love to send postcards. Always have and always will.) Postcards in hand we began driving.

Last night, when I realized that we were not far from the Corn Palace, I knew we had to stop. My family visited the corn palace when I was 8 years old, during a cross country drive. I was curious to see if it was still as fun and neat as I remembered. Turns out, it was!

They were also having the Corn Palace Festival. Now, I love and I mean love a festival. The rides, the games, the food, the people, the colors. Growing up in the Midwest, all the Catholic churches have festivals during the summer and they are always a blast. So yes, I love a festival. We toured the outside of the Corn Palace. Fun Fact: It is decorated with a different theme each year. All the corn has to be replaced because the birds eat it. So it never looks the same way twice. After the tour, we rode the Ferris Wheel in the number 8 car. 8 is KMD's favorite number. We worked up an appetite riding the Ferris Wheel and indulged in some corn on the cob, a corn dog and lemonade. It was perfect for a sunny day.

Back in the car, our next sightseeing stop was Badlands National Park. I wasn't quite sure what to expect and I was blown away. For miles and miles (read: 300+) it was full on prairie. Then we enter the Badlands and it is huge stock and rock structures and deep deep valleys. The colors were beautiful. We stopped several times along the scenic route to take pictures and enjoy the surroundings. I am glad and thankful that I have been able to see another National Park and something so beautiful.

We were supposed to see Mt. Rushmore that day, but it was getting later and we are staying at a little bed & breakfast in the Black Hills. We knew it was off the beaten path and did not relish looking for it in the dark. That turned out to be a good choice. It was very very far off the beaten path and we needed the daylight and help from the Garmin to find it. We are staying at the Coyote Blues Village B&B. It is owned and operated by a very nice Swiss couple. We were very hungry upon arrival and immediately headed out in search of the recommended Horse Creek Inn. We were warned it looked like a cowboy bar (true), but the food was wonderful (also true). The decor was very old school and grandma-ish, but the food was so good. The craziest part was the price. For ice tea, homemade soup, tossed salad, filet cooked to order, fresh dinner roll, baked potato and tax & tip the bill came to $40.00. I am so not kidding. I mean that is a night out for one in Chicago. Amazing!

We returned to our lovely b&b to write postcards, upload pictures, check email, update blogs and get ready for bed. As KMD and I are out in one of the common areas working away, another bedroom door opens and a head pops out. It is an older woman, Beverly. She heard our voices and decided to check us out. She must have thought we looked okay, because she pulled up a chair and began chatting away. We both had the feeling, Beverly never met someone she didn't like talking too. She liked that there were some young people here now. She liked looking at all of our photo's from the past day and asking lots of questions about the purpose of our trip. She and her friend Mary, are here to see Mt. Rushmore. Beverly is very patriotic as evidenced by her flag and Mt. Rushmore shirt, pin and earrings. Beverly enjoyed drawing parallels between KMD & I and her & Mary. We had a really nice time with both of them and had the feeling if we were staying any longer, they would have planned an adventure for all of us to enjoy.

I have to take a moment and be thankful and mindful of our trip. While I am sad to be geographically losing one of my favorite people, I am grateful we have this trip and time together. We are two girls on the road traveling cross country. It sounds amazing when I say it out loud and write it down. Cross Country. It is something so few people have the time or opportunity to do. We are seeing large parts of this country, national treasures, different sights and spending time together. I couldn't ask for more.

Oregon Trail - Day One

Oregon Trail - Day One
August 28, 2009
States: IL, WI, MN, SD

One of my very favorite people and best friends is moving from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR. This move has been 10 months in the making and very early on, I decided I would go with KMD as she drove her car across the country. (All of her possessions are being moved by professional movers).

We rose bright and early on Friday morning (read 5:30am), loaded our luggage and snacks into the car and took off. Slowly. We had to take my car to the dealer, mail a letter, get gas and reach the interstate. Traffic getting to the Kennedy was backed up and moving very slow. Finally, we reached the interstate and were able to get outside of the city pretty quickly. We knew having several breaks to stretch and have something to eat were going to be important. I had also been working so much the prior four days in preparation of being gone for ten days, that I was pretty tired. Getting out of the car and into fresh air was important.

KMD has planned our entire trip! She planned our stops to give us several opportunities to sightsee. Our first official stop: F.A.S.T. Corp, makers of Fiberglass Animals, Shapes and Trademarks. They have the World's Largest Collection of Fiberglass Animals. It was unreal. Some were molds of animals, some were slides, some were shapes and some were even fully painted.

A sleeping ellie:

The symbol of preppiness:

The biggest one:

The most colorful:

After browsing this unusual collection, we headed into Downtown Sparta, WI. It was adorable. Very small town. I almost expected someone to be making a movie, it was so cute. We ended up eating at D's Pizza. It was a little place, that probably spent of its time as a bar. After lunch, we walked up and down Water Street, which is their Main Street. On the lookout for postcards, we waundered into the Sparta Pharmacy and Market. The cutest thing was when they delivered your medication, they also brought you a little bag of homemade popcorn. I love touches like that.

After lunch, we were back in the car and headed toward Minnesota. Our goal: The Jolly Green Giant!

Success:

We paused for a few pictures and a Dairy Queen treat. JGG was much bigger than I was expecting. After some Warrior moves by me to stretch, we continued on the road. Around 8:00, we arrived in Sioux Falls, SD. We are staying at a pretty nice Holiday Inn City Center. (You never know sometimes). We both decided a walk would be nice, so we set off for dinner. We stumbled upon the neatest 50's style chrome encased diner, The Phillips Avenue Diner. I had half of a hot turkey sandwich and some cottage cheese. Yes, sometimes I am an old lady. After a lovely dinner, we headed back to the hotel to plan Day Two and get some much needed sleep.

Happy Trails!

Pink & Green Treats

Last week, I was in F.U.N. in Glenview. I heart this little store. They are primarily a personalized stationary and invitation store. However, they do have little sections full of fun products. Cute books, totes, wrapping paper, notepads, etc. I didn't really have a purpose to be there, but I was close and mostly was looking for a pick-me-up present. How delighted was I when I discovered the cutest kitchen products. I ended up with a clear recipe box with pink and green trimmed recipe cards, a p&g measuring converter (this is on a cute ring, tied with grosgrain), extra p&g recipe cards and a small p&g argyle notepad with pen. I just love what I picked out and can't wait to start using it.

Hinsdale: Part Two

While visiting the Lilly store in Hinsdale, I popped across the street to The Yankee Peddler. TYP is a super cute boutique with lots and lots of fun treats. They have tea towels, candles, lotion, wall art, cake stands, books, aprons, tableware, vases, purses, paper goods, baby gifts, etc. I wondered around looking at every single thing for about 40 minutes. The owner was so nice and we had a wonderful time chatting. I also wanted to own everything in there. This is the storefront. (I could not get the sign due to a weird angle.)

Finally, after much looking and chatting, I decided on the following items:
A lovely light aqua vase/glass. I love the feel of it in my hand and the color. I would put three little hydrangeas in there, tightly wrapped. Or perhaps with some fresh juice on a Sunday morning. The second treat was a book on where to buy Vintage Paris Couture. Each section is divided by arrondissement. The book only fuels my re-discovered obsession with Paris & France. Julie & Julia also contributed to its' resurrection.

Lilly Pulitzer: The Hinsdale Store

Here in Illinois, the only true Lilly store is in a very nice suburb, Hinsdale. Last week, Thursday on my way out of town, I decided to pop in. This is the first time I have been in the Hinsdale store. I know that seems a little crazy, but Hinsdale is a bit of a drive (on the worst interstate) from where I live on the Northside. The LP store is in this little 'downtown' district on First Street. There were several adorable shops and restaurants that I would like to go back too. Like all Lilly stores, it was immaculate and brightly colored. My favorite part was how spacious the store was and that the racks and shelves were not crazy crowded. It was all beautiful. And they had so. much. stuff. Here are a few pictures of the outside. So adorable, right?




While I was there, I picked up my Twenty Ten Agenda and a cute little coin purse. The coin purse is a piece of citrus and on the flip side says, 'it all started with a juice stand.' I absolutely cannot wait for 2010 so I can use the agenda.

Adventure Awaits

A little while ago, I mentioned an upcoming adventure. I have been so busy preparing my professional life for my adventure, I have neglected my personal life (read blog). Well, I have two days left of work before I am off on vacation. This means pedal to the metal, nonstop work. I have lots of to-do still on the list to cross off. But enough about that, what is the adventure? One of my college friends, former Chicago roomie and all-around greatest friend is relocating from Chicago to Portland, OR. Whew! I am so happy for her and so sad for me. When she decided to start this grand plan of moving to the Pacific Northwest, I decided when the time came, I would make the drive with her. Yes, we are driving from Chicago, IL to the Pacific Ocean. Five days, nine states, twenty two hundred miles and endless playlists. We are stopping in various places for sightseeing. And instead of crappy hotels we are staying in cute B&B's. I will be posting along the way. I. AM. SO. EXCITED.

Of course, I picked this picture from Terra Galleria because of the rowers.

Pretty in Plaid

This past May, Jen Lancaster's new book Pretty in Plaid debuted.

I bought it the day it came out and dived right in. This past weekend, I re-read this fun book while lounging with JKM. I really enjoyed this book. Bitter is my favorite, followed by Bright Lights. This book is fun and I adore the cover. It's really fun to travel back in time with Jen. Jen is from Chicago as well and I have actually met her and driven her home. One of the besties, JMW is even in her third book. It all started with the book club. We were reading Bitter and someone knew someone who knew Jen. We extended the invitation for her join us that night and she accepted. She was so delightful. After that, she came to our holiday party and we had the best time. She is so funny and lively. She also enjoys a good cocktail which is of the utmost important.

Jen Herself!

Showtune Tuesday

Today, we have a little different twist on Showtune Tuesday. While this video is older and made the rounds via forwarding, I still love watching it. I love the shock on the spectator's faces. And once the music starts, everyone looks so happy. Nothing can make someone smile more than the incomparable Julie Andrews.

For this stunt, more than 200 dancers were performing their version of "Do Re Mi", in the Central Station of Antwerp. With just 2 rehearsals they created this amazing routine. It was a promotional stunt for a Belgian television program, where they were looking for someone to play the leading role, in the musical of "The Sound of Music". Isn't the dance remix fun?

Taschen's New York

In July, a new book came out about New York and I love it. Taschen's New York is a fun, modern, coffee table travel book. The cover of the book is pink (!) with artful illustrations.

It would look wonderful sitting on any coffee table. This book is not for the first time visitor. After you have been to the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and all the other touristy places, this book lets you know where to go! It includes Katz Deli, The Bowery Hotel, and where to buy vintage clothes. Just like the under title 'Hotels, Restaurants & Shops'. This book is too big to take with your when you jaunt off to NYC, but it has a great little pull out travel map with everything you need to know. Angelika Taschen has also written Taschen's Paris. Coming out next year is Taschen's London. About the author: Angelika Taschen studied art history and German literature in Heidelberg, gaining her doctorate in 1986. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do. Happy exploring (and reading!).

Showtune Tuesday

Marlon Brando is wonderful as Sky Masterson. Of course, Sister Sarah Brown was my favorite. I loved that she fell for the bad guy. And won.

Calling Cards

In addition to the cocktail hour, I would love for calling cards to make a huge comeback. I am almost out of my current calling cards, so I am shopping around for something new. I have found so many that are adorable and fun, that I am having a hard time deciding. I would like for the cards to list my name, phone and email. My current cards are from Crane's. They are a light white with an old-fashioned phone logo on them. They list my name and phone number. I think adding my email address is key.
The choices from Boatman Geller:



I have always loved toile, especially black and white. I have the most adorable set of handmade boxes in b&w toile. I picked them up during a trip to Nashville and we were at a Fall Festival on one of the plantation homes. They make me smile whenever I look at them.

The other three options are from Red Stamp. They have a more modern touch to them. Again, I really like them all.




This last one is for the Nautical Preppy:


What to choose???

The Cupcake Invite

As I have mentioned before, I tend to pick up little treats as I see them. During one of my trips to NYC, I was in Kate's Paperie and found the cutest invitations.

I know the picture is a little hard to see, but it says 'A Tea & Cupcake Party'. They are from Mr. Boddington's Studio: Couture Correspondence. There are just so many things I love about these invites. Tea, Cupcakes, Pink and Green color on the front, the bunny. Each box contains six envelopes; three pink and three green. One day, when I have a little girl, we will throw a lovely tea and cupcakes party. Just for fun.

Whew!

I am still here. Tired, but still here. I have been swamped at work and unable to write. I will have lots of time this weekend and have several items to discuss, including the cutest cupcake invitations, my upcoming adventure and the search for new calling cards.

What I Am Reading: The Widow Clicquot

Weekend Plans: Backyard BBQ -> Northside Fest with 16 Candles Band -> Beach Time -> Dinner at Mia Francesca -> Going Away Cocktails at the Signature Room -> Tracking down a Lilly Planner -> Getting some much needed sleep.

Ciao!

Weekend Recap

This past weekend was absolutely lovely. We decided to deep six the Botanic Gardens because it was so very hot here in Chicago. The humidity was very high as well. Saturday started off with errands - waxing appointment, mailing a swap gift, picking up macaroons for a special treat tonight and popping into Pottery Barn for a few more glasses. After running errands, I came home and began to get ready for an evening in the 'burbs. The girls and I decided it would be neat to explore some of the cute suburbs surrounding the city. We picked Highland Park for our Saturday adventure. I work in the NorthShore, so I have spent a lot of time in the HP, but it was new for the girls. We took a lovely drive up Sheridan Rd, enjoying the lake and amazing houses. We spent an hour shopping in the small boutiques. We went to Cafe Central for dinner. Since we were seeing Julie & Julia, we went for a French theme. The meal began with a wonderful bottle of Pinot Grigio. I enjoyed the french onion soup, followed by a petite filet with fresh vegtables and truffle mashed potatoes. Delish.

After dinner, we walked next door to the Highland Park Theatre. The HPT is very very old school. Red small tickets for the movie. It sort of smells like your grandmother's basement. The inside is all wood with older speakers and and old fashioned popcorn maker. It was a fun treat and I love supporting small business.

For a special treat and keeping with the french theme, I had picked up macaroons from Sarah's Pastries on Oak Street. During the movie the girls and I had a treat of macaroons and mini Sofia's. I adored Julie & Julia. I especially loved the part with Julia in France. So lovely. I would have loved living in Paris during that time.

Sunday began with brunch at Southport Grocery and Cafe. This is hands down one of my favorite brunch places. I usually am a savory breakfast person, but at SG&C, I enjoy the Cupcake Pancakes. So yummy. They also make THE best cupcakes in Chicago. I love love love the cupcakes here. I know, it's alot of cupcake. I can't help it.

After brunch, it was the beach all day. It was really the only way to be outside, because it was so hot. I made homemade chicken salad with dill, dried cranberries and walnuts as a late lunch/early dinner to take with us. Served on crossiant with a side salad of pinenut, pea and parm orzo. Dessert was juicy watermelon.

We spent the day at the beach with magazines, books, and music. It was a lovely day and when we heated up, we dipped into the lake. This is the view from my beach blanket and a picture of my favorite tree.




I heart the weekends. *Sigh*

Showtune Tuesday

An all-time favorite, Some Enchanted Evening. Ezio Pinza was a basso opera singer from Italy. After his career in opera at The Met, he went into film. Pinza created the part of Emile de Becque in the original Broadway production of "South Pacific". His performance of "Some Enchanted Evening" on the original Broadway cast album as a big hit, and introduced him to a mass audience. He went on to play the role in the movie version.

I Heart Target

Earlier this summer I was in Target and discovered so many cute, preppy pieces at such amazing prices. I definitely heart Target.

The cute madras skirt. Perfect with a white polo, navy sweater and white topsiders.

Fun green skirt with embroidered starfish. Off-white polo and rattan flip flops.

Colorful pink and green shorts. So many options; navy polo for both or if I am feeling festive, pink shorts with green polo and green shorts with pink polo. Fun!

Kate Spade Bedding

In the Spring of 2004, Kate Spade Home Collection made it's debut. I instantly fell in love with the Sea Cliff Collection. Most of what was available from this collection was in a light blue. However, the ever resourceful and amazing Mother found it in navy and white. (Mother loves navy.) After much coveting, Mother surprised me with the entire collection. At the time, I was living with several girls and it seemed best to save it for a different time. Also, my bedroom furniture was a dark cherry wood and this seemed better suited for white furniture. Finally, last May, I decided it was time and out came the bedding. It was so pretty. It is all very well made and I love the thickness and heaviness of the fabric in the duvet. I have the duvet, bed skirt, sheets, European shams and American shams. I also have different bedroom furniture, which is white. I decided to paint my room a pale yellow to really show off the furniture and the bedding. Here is a pic of part of my bedroom.

The navy and white lampshade is from Pottery Barn kids. The frame is silver with a yellow grosgrain ribbon matte from Pottery Barn. In the frame, I have a picture of Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany's. The bedside carafe is from HomeGoods. I heart bedside carafes. You cannot really tell in the picture, but the bed is quite high. The bedskirt is 17" long. I love the navy and white. Plus, it is super easy to change the room up, by changing the paint and a a few accessories. Navy goes with so much. Hope you enjoyed the little peak.

Woo - Hoo!

I am so excited. I woke up this morning, rolled over, checked the Pre and discovered an email from CJM of Murphy's (New) Law blog that I had won the 'Paris Presents' Giveaway. How fun! This is the first giveaway I have won and it could not be better. The giveaway included Mariages Freres tea, Fauchon chocolate biscuits and Longchamp key fob. Please check out CJM's blog for all the great pics of her trip to Paris. It is delightful reading. THANK YOU SO MUCH CJM! This totally made my day.

Working for the Weekend

Weekend Plans:
Kite Festival at the Chicago Botanic Gardens -> Dinner in Port Clinton Square -> Julie & Julia -> Brunch at Southport Grocery -> Cupcake at Southport Grocery -> Reading & Swimming at the Lake.

Bonwit Teller

I have always been a shopper. My mother is a shopper, her mother was a shopper. You get the idea. My very first credit card was the Amex under Daddy. Pretty normal. This was at age 13. Not so normal. But, you never knew when an emergency would arise. Like most people as I grew older, I acquired various credit cards, especially specific store cards. One of my favorites was my Bonwit Teller card. I adored the store and the card. It was so pretty and girly. None of the shimmery, logo-y, pick your picture kind of card. Simple, lovely, clean. My favorite outfit was from 7th grade. White knee length dress shorts with a 3/4 length boat neck shirt in black. The front had a silouette of a french woman walking her poodle in on the front. The image was woven into the shirt and was entirely white. Her scarf was red. I wore this with knee socks and penny loafers and a red grosgrain ribbon headband. Talk about true love. I miss that outfit. And Bonwit Teller. It went out of business a few years later. Here is a picture of the credit card.

Murphy's (New) Law Giveaway

C.J.M. over at Murphy's (New) Law has a great giveaway going on. Check it out here. Lovely treats from her recent trip to Paris. Delightful. Here is a picture from her website of the great gifts.

Showtune Tuesday

The Lion King is one of my favorite movies and one of my favorite musicals. I cried the first time I was in the audience. The costumes are amazing and unique. The music is so moving and different from the traditional Braodway fare.

Tea Towels

Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores. Their clothes are not really my style, but I love their home section. I would love a french country house furnished with all things Anthro. The drawer pulls, hooks, cookbooks, dishes, measuring cups,tableware,notecards, candles, aprons and pillows to name a few. I also love the kitchen towels. These are three that I really love for the Tea Time theme.