Filed In: travel
traveling before baby
In April, we had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles for a family wedding but we declined to go because I was pregnant. I never pass up a trip, but nausea and exhaustion kept me from doing a lot of things we wanted to do when we were in New Orleans, and I didn’t want to travel across country just to end up laying in bed all day again. Even though I wanted to, we never took a babymoon, and we just stayed local for a few weekend getaways. I wish I would have known before getting pregnant that our week-long road trip through California last year was our last adventure, just the two of us, before we started a family. So lately, as we wait for our little one’s arrival, I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of travel and the importance of doing it before you have kids. Read More
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Share on Twitterweekend plans + 12 great chicago bars and restaurants for date night
At 37 weeks pregnant, Mini Z could make his or her arrival any day now so Marc and I have been squeezing in as many date nights as we can. On Tuesday, we went to Rick Bayless’ newest Chicago venture, seafood-oriented Leña Brava, for dinner. The food was ridiculously good. Everything is cooked on an open hearth, wood-burning oven or prepared at their raw bar. Must try dishes from their “fire and ice” menu – the wood oven roasted chicken a la leña, the black cod al pastor and the grill roasted pineapple.
This weekend we have a double date night planned with some of our good friends. We will be going to Stefanie Izard’s latest addition to her Goat empire, Chinese-inspired Duck Duck Goat. I’ve written about Girl and the Goat and Little Goat Diner here. The Duck Duck Goat menu features things like wood fired duck heart dim sum, goat belly lo mein and crispy frog legs. I’m looking forward to an evening of great food and great conversation!
When it comes to the city of Chicago, you’ve got plenty of bar and restaurant options. I’ve rounded up 12 of my favorites for date night below. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop bar in the heart of the city, an intimate French restaurant with a trendy atmosphere or a BYOB Lakeview hotspot, these restaurants offer a perfect balance between good food and good vibes. Check it out – Read More
snapshots from south haven
Walks on the beach, wandering around town, shopping, good food and lots of laughs made for a pretty wonderful weekend in South Haven for this mama-to-be. Our bungalow, which I found on VRBO, was just a few blocks from the beach and had this lovely back patio where we spent Saturday night warming our buns and chatting around the fire. We had our fill of small plates at Taste and dined on delicious Italian food at Maria’s. South Haven is about two and a half hours north of Chicago which makes for a great weekend getaway. We had the best time enjoying the small town pace. I love living in the city, but I also crave these quiet escapes.
I came home with pockets full of driftwood. As I hunted the beach, I knew exactly what I was going to make with it. I was inspired by these two things – first I saw this on City Farmhouse’s front porch and then I fell in love with this mobile that Miles of Light made. I haven’t decided where I’m going to hang my mobile yet. That’s always the fun part – deciding where it’s new home will be. I think a pop of color will be nice so I’ll either paint some of the wood or add some colorful pieces of beach glass. What do you think?
weekend plans | south haven, michigan
This weekend we are heading north to South Haven, Michigan for a quick getaway. We found a little bungalow just outside of town, and I am really looking forward to taking a break from house projects and enjoying some time away. Plus I am becoming increasingly aware that these little weekend trips will probably be put on hold for a long while after baby comes, so I am going to fit in as many as we can until then. Here’s what I’ll be bringing with me – comfy jeans, a pair of sandals and this easy, plaid shirt which will be perfect for wandering around the lakeside town, a carryall for snacks and souvenirs, a bright pair of shades and a small pouch for coins (in my case it should say icecream fund). A few other things I never travel without – my Kindle to catch up on my reading, my iPhone, camera and a notebook for jotting down directions or must see spots. So tell me, anything we shouldn’t miss? Markets, restaurants, wineries, shops or anything at all you love in South Haven?
plaid shirt | tote bag | jeans | sunglasses | sandals | pouch
new orleans
A few months ago we headed south to explore the city of New Orleans. I spent a few days there in 2009 and have been wanting to go back ever since. The attention to detail on the old buildings is so stunning, and it made we wonder what it must have been like to live there back in the hay day. We took our time wandering through the city, strolling along the Mississippi River and through squares and tiny alleyways. The French Quarter took my breath away with the bright colors and beautiful plant filled balconies. The Voodoo Bone Lady Ghost Tour was touristy but fun! We had dinner and amazing cocktails (virgin for me!) at Kingfish. Everyone raves about this place and for good reason. We sat at the bar and got to watch all of the incredible drinks being made. I’m still dreaming about the café au lait and beignets from Café Beignet. Their cute little patio is not too shabby, either. We spent some time exploring the Bywater area. Some parts were a bit run down but still the neighborhood was very charming with a hipster vibe and a younger crowd. We ate breakfast at the lively and eclectic Elizabeth’s and lunch at The Joint. We spent an afternoon taking in the Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond Exhibit at the Presbytère. It was so fascinating to hear the stories and remember what people went through. The whole exhibit was very eye opening. We took the streetcar to the Garden District which was a great area to wander around. It was so nice walking down the streets and admiring all the lush green and stately southern homes. We popped into a few shops on Magazine Street. I could have brought home an entire extra suitcase full of hats from Goorin Bros and Defend was two tiny rooms filled to the brim with hip t-shirts, bags and posters. Before heading back to our hotel, we grabbed a few treats from District Donuts. January was definitely a good time of year to visit. It was 60s and sunny, the city was calm and we didn’t have to worry about making hotel and restaurant reservations a year in advance. New Orleans was as beautiful as I remembered it, and it was fun exploring new places with Marc.
