Sunday, July 17, 2011

Frances-our secret!

On the agenda today: BBQ!! Tom and I brainstormed different types of food to grill for our friends Joanna and Andrew. I quickly narrowed it down to scrumptious filets-only the finest cut of meat for my girl and her hubby :) 90+ degrees in the sweltering heat didn't stop us from having a good time. As time passed, we headed indoors and she mentioned that she never saw our wedding video. I immediately felt two different emotions-bad for Andrew to be put through the anguish and happy because that is just the kind of friend she is. (BTW, I did try my best to fast forward Andrew!)

During my later college years, I was blessed with a high school special education position and became Joanna's classroom aide. We clicked and navigated through multiple wedding related websites at work once our boyfriends became our fiancés. We were like two giddy school girls talking about gowns, colors, reception spots-you name it, we covered it! Our weddings ended up being two weeks apart and we were equally excited for each other.

Unfortunately, most girls (as we all know) are born with a competitive chip and I've also encountered a few pretenders (those that pretend to be happy for you). I must say she is the exact opposite and is always genuinely happy for me and incredibly supportive. When I confide in her-big or small, I can always rely on her to put a lot of effort into the advice she so graciously provides.

She is an impeccable teacher and will make a top notch counselor in the future because she is a phenomenal person with a huge heart! Quick side note-Joanna is the gal that has been the biggest supporter when it comes to my blog. Thank you Jo and thank you Cicero for introducing me to JFL!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Weekend in Chicago

An awesome weekend for the two of us:

Stop one: Saturday, Wedding @ Pazzo 311 Not knowing too many people at this wedding was indeed a perk because it allowed us to have more alone time together. We danced the night away just like Usher would want us to!

Later that evening, we committed a crime by making a pit stop at White Castle on the way home-can't remember the last time we had one of those nights! Hmmm..cheese sticks, jalapeno cheeseburgers......

Stop two: Sunday @ Kitsch'n This quirky little diner specializes in comfort food and is an absolute gem in the city. We had the most satisfying & filling meals to make us feel like champs again! This place has a selection of old school games to play while you are waiting for your food. I chose to ask Tom ridiculous questions using the magic eight ball (of course)....

Stop three: Navy Pier I purchased an architectural cruise on Groupon-knowing he would relish the tour (despite the muggy day) because he contributes to the city's beautiful skyline...
Tom was the project engineer for the Aqua building (in the middle) which our docent mentioned...
Wrigley building on Michigan Avenue...
Cute places along the river with flower boxes...
I'll take an office with a view please...
The best city we will always visit even though we live in the burbs...


Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Time to Give the Sony a Break

First picture taken in class:
My photography class in Chicago:
Katie works a few classrooms down from me and had mentioned that she previously enrolled in a photography class. I think the cool thing about meeting people is the fact that they can surprise you at any given moment and getting to know someone is always an ongoing learning experience.

Suddenly, I've become very interested in photography and purchased one class via Groupon about a month ago. Now please be aware that this class will not put me on the same level as her. The beginner level class will ONLY provide useful tips on how to use Tom's Nikon D60 that he purchased about two years ago. (What can I say? I've been happy using my small camera!) So please be patient with me if you don't see an improvement for a very long time!! :)

She is an amazing photographer-check out her blog!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Happy 4th of July!

Our weekend in Wisconsin
(randomly selected photos)

The way the rope twisted-could it be a L for love? I think so...
Fireworks everywhere...

The beautiful horizon...
Firework show on the lake...
Exploring...
Perfect spot for reading...
So in love with spot #2...
Breathtaking...
Best bar on the lake...
Peaceful walks...
Sunset cruises...
Docking the boat near the restaurant...
Our favorite lakefront restaurant...
Fishing...


What a relaxing weekend! Hope you enjoyed yours!!
XO

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Paris in the Air


It all began with a t-shirt....

I find it impossible to part with my high school t-shirt that I received in French class with the gigantic word Francais labeled below the Arc de Triomphe. Now pretty much every room in my house displays something related to Paris. Right now I'm staring at my dog Frankie while thinking of French related items that I could purchase for him. Eiffel Tower collar?! Crazy, nutty-call me what you want, but I can't contain my excitement for the "newest member" to join my collection.

How adorable is this for my next girly gathering??!!


Vasavi purchased a set of these dishes as my early birthday gift. She knows me so well and we have that friendship where we can talk for hours, yet I still manage to think of things I forgot to mention after our conversation has ended. She has always been one to steer me in the right direction and there to provide honest, helpful advice since our high school years. I'm thankful that even though at times we have conflicting schedules-we still meet up at places such as Bistrot Margot to gossip/catch up! :)


On a side note, despite the fact I am not in Paris-I can still dine at a cute outdoor French restaurant and imagine.......

PS: The outdoor patio had charming flower boxes attached to the metal railings which in turn left me feeling inspired to create a replica for my deck. Pics of the backyard coming soon!