Dreaming of Paris with UGallery

For original art pieces at accessible prices UGallery is my favorite place to shop. With a trip to Paris planned this spring (I can't wait) I fell in love with"Across the Seine" from Rebecca Plotnick for my home. 

Bonobo Winery

If you haven't taken a trip to Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula you're missing out on some fabulous wine and incredible views (trust me). My family and I visit this area each summer, but we recently spent an afternoon wine tasting at some of our favorite vineyards for a little winter escape. We have a few vineyards that we absolutely love, but Bonobo Winery has officially topped our list. 

Weekly Pick: 101 in 1001 Update

My vacation in northern Michigan was definitely relaxing, but I was also busy crossing off items from my 101 in 1001 list. It feels awesome to accomplish these goals, and I really want to thank my family and friends who continually support me in making these dreams a reality.

1. Parasailing in Traverse City (A huge thank you to my sister Kelli for braving this with me and making it a memorable experience)

2. Drive-in move at the Cherry Bowl 

3. Learning the alphabet in sign language

4. Harry Potter (a work in progress)

5. Paddleboarding Little Glen Lake

Also, as part of my 101 in 1001 list to "give back" each month I ran the Dune Dash 4 mile race where all proceeds benefit the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.

The winners of the Black Sheep Emporium vintage flatware giveaway are Ani and Lisa Newman! I'll be emailing you later today to get your address. Thank you to Black Sheep Emporium and everyone who entered the giveaway.

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Northern Michigan Favorites

I always look forward to the month of August to spend a week relaxing with family in Glen Arbor. We've created countless memories and traditions that have kept us coming back year after year for all things cherry, breathtaking sunsets and sand beneath our toes on Sleeping Bear Dunes. Below are a few things of my favorite things I couldn't keep my hands off of while traveling around northern Michigan.

1. Cherry Republic is an essential stop for lunch, a quick snack from the bakery or some wine tasting. During the week we couldn't get enough Coconut Boomchunkas or Cherry Ginger Ale.
2. Northern Michigan is known for their amazing 40+ vineyards and I think it's safe to say we've now visited each one. My absolute favorites (in no particular order) are Shady Lane Cellars, Boathouse Vineyards, Black Star Farms, Leelanau Cellars, and L. Mawby.
3. Every summer vacation must include ice cream right? We love walking to the Pine Cone for a little treat and during this trip we were all swooning over Ashby's Eskimo Kisses. It doesn't get much better than coconut ice cream with chocolate truffles and fudge.
4. While driving around to a few vineyards we happened to find a stand on the side of the road selling local honey. I can't wait to serve this Bingham Bee's clover honey with an artisan cheese plate.
5. The Trader Joe's Toasted Coconut Cookie Thins are my latest obsession. Put these together to make s'mores and you won't remember what a graham cracker is.
6. We took a little drive to Northport and stumbled on a farm stand selling White Chocolate Popcorn. Since it was featured in Martha Stewart Living we couldn't say no.
7. If you're boating on Torch Lake Dockside restaurant is the place to be.
8. I wish every Monday morning could include skipping stones in Lake Michigan with champagne in party cups.
9. The best part about vacation is spending time doing something out of the ordinary. Starting the day with a coffee by the lake was a highlight.

xoxo

PS

I'm Back!

Waking up to an alarm this morning was rough (to say the least), but thankfully my Starbucks barista didn't forget my usual. After a week in northern Michigan with no access to Starbucks, barely any cell service, and no blaring horns or sirens I'm trying to adjust to "city" life again. Last week was filled with sunbathing on the dock of Little Glen Lake, listening to Lord Huron and Ben Howard, checking a handful of things off my 101 in 1001 list, wine tasting at some of my favorite vineyards, and driving around endless lakes with spectacular views.

A vacation that involved relaxation, new experiences, and family was just what I needed to return to the city feeling refreshed and ready to conquer some new projects in the works. A huge thank you again to my guest bloggers A Foreign Land, Caravan of Style, Black Sheep Emporium, Cedar and Rush and OHMYDALIA for posting while I was busy getting a tan and sipping some Michigan wine. I'll be posting a recap of some highlights from my vacation this week so stay tuned!

Image found here

xoxo

PS

My Holiday Weekend

I'm back! After an amazing extra long weekend in Grand Rapids/Northern Michigan it feels great to be back in Chicago. Here's a little recap of how I spent the holiday weekend.

1. My sister and I coordinated in red, white and blue for a 4th of July parade filled with endless Tootsie Rolls.
2. I celebrated 'Merica with PBR (obviously).
3. The highlight of the 4th was my mom's famous blueberry pie (recipe here).
4. Stay tuned for a new outfit post on the blog next week featuring these new metallic pointy toe flats.
5. I spent a day in Northern Michigan wine tasting at some of my favorite vineyards including the M22 shop in Glen Arbor.
6. The Joy boat in Leland has always been a personal favorite.
7. We enjoyed this view with a picnic of smoked fish from Carlson's Fish Market.
8. Since it was Cherry Festival in Traverse City we had to pick up some cherries from a road side stand.

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: NYC Recap

Image found here

1. Starry Night at the MoMA

2. Breakfast at Tiffany's

3. Shopping at C. Wonder

4. View of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park

5. Happy Hour in Little Italy

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Tips for Packing

After packing for Disney this week I owe this chart for helping me pack just what I needed.

What are some of your packing tips?

Image found here

xoxo

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Disney Bound

I'm off to Disney World for a much needed family vacation. My sister and I are on a mission to re-create this photo from the first time we experienced Disney World back in the 90's. I'll post the updated picture on Instagram and see if I can still rock a backwards baseball hat.  



xoxo

PS

A City Girl's Adventure To The Country

This past weekend I left the windy city in search of greener pastures. So I headed to Nashville of course. As most of you know I'm a city girl at heart, but the country life may have won me over.  There's something to be said about that southern accent and generous hospitality you can't find anywhere else.

Arrington Vineyards 

Franklin

The Stage

Gaylord Opryland Resort

No I didn't run into Taylor Swift or get on the bar at Coyote Ugly on this trip to Nashville. But I did spend the weekend with my best friend, sipping wine at a local vineyard, shopping in historic Franklin, listening to country music downtown, and exploring a famous hotel. It was the perfect long weekend getaway. 

xoxo

PS