I swear I'm not boring....

I've just been really busy savoring every last bit of Fall!


Here's a peak at what I've been up to (the last month or so)


so, I went to D.C.
(yes, The Nation's capitol definitely lived up to the hype...)

one of my best friends got married...

(a bestie, not me)

I moved apartments, can we say UPGRADE! My neew bedroom is below (-: 

(oh how I love modern, vintage fabulousness!)

and then it was Halloween! (I was Rhianna from her new video 'We Found Love') although I looked a lot like Rosie the Riveter 

(oh, well-- it's whatevs)

 More posts to come, I promise! 

An apology... [ to my beloved Chicago(ians) ]

to Chicago...

I am sorry.

I am sorry for running off every weekend. 

I am sorry that as of late, I only see your beautiful skyline from the corner of my rearview mirror, or from the 8x10 window I peer out of from my aisle seat. 

I am sorry.

---------------------------------

I am sorry for not showing face at Castaways,

 for only catching three Cubs games,

and for only shutting down Beaumont's twice.

I am sorry. 

... and to my Chicago(ians)

I miss you.

I miss our family dinners.

I miss our bottomless bloody mary/mimosa brunches on Sunday's.

I miss our Saturday morning texts which always included three choices, "North Ave.? Fullerton beach?or maybe a rooftop?" 

I miss you.

---------------------------------

I miss too many people to name.

 I miss your smiles, 

your sweet, sweet souls,

and your name popping up on my phone Friday-Sunday cause you know I'm out runnin' again.

I miss you.

So this is just a little note of reassurance. 

Come October, our little long distance love fest will subside. It's been a wild ride and one of the best Summer's to date, but you Chicago make it easy to come HOME.

So here's to Fall... 

to year 24.

to Bears' games (or at least the tailgating part),

to a new apartment,

to extra large hoodies,

and to shutting down Beaumont's more than necessary.

I can't wait to rekindle our little love affair.

until then....

peace. love. and chicago

(o:

My Motto: BE BRAVE

Before I moved to Chicago in May, I had some reservations. I think it's normal for a woman who moves to a city of three million... who grew up in a city of 57,000. I was finally leaving my comfort zone, the "Indiana bubble". Yes I know I just moved a state over, but leaving my family, friends and my beloved Hoosier state wasn't exactly a peach. Although, I knew in my heart that Chicago was where I had wanted to be for so long. When I told my family about my career opportunity they were thrilled, supportive and couldn't wait for me to begin my next chapter in life. While others clouded my mind with thoughts like, "O' Chicago? But it's so big, it's so unsafe, it's full of city slickers". My response, "Yup, Bring it on!"

Sure they daily news scares me on a day to day basis, ya there are HUGE creeps on the El but it's nothing a full can of pepper spray can't handle. Bottom line-- suck it up people, grow a pair-- BE BRAVE. Go where you want to want to go, do what you want to do even if 10 chirping birds are telling you something different. Along with my new motto in life, I just purchased a necklace by a Chicago jewelry designer I have become obsessed with, Jess LC. Her collections are beautiful, simple and inexpensive. Check out my latest purchase to accompany my new life's motto.

"Be Brave" 

in braille

Braille is near and dear to my heart. As a proud Delta Gamma Alum our philanthropy was Service for Sight Aid to the Blind. During my time at Butler University I had the privilege of volunteering and getting to know many wonderful people at the Indiana School for the Blind. It was there where I really became to value something that many take for granted everyday, sight. When I wear this necklace it will just be a daily reminder of my new life's motto and to not take for granted life's blessings.

Happy Day

A few lovely pics of my new (yet, old) apt. (-:

My room (-:

Dining room

Living room -- 75% of the stuff in this room are antiques

My daily inspiration: Independent Woman

My bestie's room

Aren't we precious?

That's what I love about Sundays....

I hope your Sunday was as good as mine (-: 

Here's just a taste of what I've been up too (-:

and here's GROUPON (-:

Dear Chicago City-Slickers,

I need your help. With my much anticipated move to Chicago around the corner, I need to know some of the basics for surviving the city. So I'm going to throw out some questions, and I really hope you can answer some of them for me! Any other advice you can contribute would be great!

1. I've got rain boots, but I am assuming a raincoat of some sort is a necessity. Thoughts?

2. What is the best most durable umbrella?

3. What times should I NOT ride the El?

4. How do I not look like a tourist? 

5. Is it 'ok' to listen to my iPod, talk on the phone and read on the El? Don't laugh at these questions.. I just need to know!

6. Ladies, do you wear a pair of comfy shoes and put your heels in a separate bag until you get to work?

That's all of the questions I have right now. I'll add more as they come! And again, PLEASE answer some of them if you can!

So... I'm MOVING

to my dream city....


CHICAGO (-:

just thought you should know... (-:

I want to call Chicago HOME.

After a day in Chicago last week, I came to the conclusion: I HAVE to be there. I have to  be engulfed in the energy, the culture and the daily buzz. I want to walk out my door and into a world of possibility. I want the town home, the walk to the cute pub on the corner, the deep dish pizza and I especially want the "L" trip away from some of the best shopping in America. I want a life in Chicago... and I won't settle until I get there.

and you best believe I'm a CUBBIES fan!