176 smoke stout caramel

= chocolate heaven!!!  

I frequently pick up Vosges chocolates - I like their experimental combinations.  Sometimes I love them, sometimes not so much ... but this smoke & stout bar is off the charts!!

... via iPhone ...

177 cirque and ferris

My coworkers and I came by some free tickets to the Cirque Shanghai show at the Skyline State at Navy Pier. So we headed down on the most beautiful Sunday to take in the show and finally, finally ride that damn ferris wheel. I've lived in Chicago for 17 years now and for whatever reason had never ridden. Now that I have, I have to say it's totally worth the six dollars. How funny is this ... out of the four of us, only one (Marcey) had ridden that damn ferris wheel before. And, come to find out Christina is not a fan of "rides" - she joked by putting on her bike helmet and conquered her fear of the ferris wheel!

Great views from up there. Maybe next time I will go at sunset - would be lovely with the sun going down behind the city. Sometimes its fun to be a tourist in my city. I feel very fortunate to live in a city that has so many things to do! Love. Love. Love it!

178/179

179 celebrating my friend Amanda's birthday

178 out with the old pillow top mattress and in with the new tempurpedic! I hope I'm gonna like it - smells like hell right now and I kinda miss my big fluffy bed. Hoping this change will help my back pain!!

... via iPhone ...

180 hey dude

Love this little piece of art that greets you upon entry.

Fergus was trying to leave with me today.

... via iPhone ...

181 thru 184

Ack! I'm behind again!!! Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans! Hope you did something fun to celebrate freedom! Here are my most recent daily photos.

184 : super score at Bloomies!

183: farm friendly drive to Indy

182: cupcakes at Indy's The Flying Cupcake - the coconut was great, chocolate was meh.

181 : Fergus friendly : I think I've made a new friend.

... via iPhone ...

the konza

Back in the beautiful month of May I spent a few days with my friends, the Magee's, in the Flint Hills of Kansas.  After all the change of command duties were done we headed out to see the Konza Prairie. Bethany is so good to always go along with my crazy ideas.  

Growing up in Kansas you hear about the Flint hills, you see lots of photos, but until you actually experience this area I don't think you can truly appreciate it's beauty.  We hiked about a mile up to the top of the first pass (in my flip flops - not the best decision) listening to wild turkeys, meadowlark calls and the rustle of tall grasses in the wind.  It could possibly be one of the most peaceful places I've ever been.  

I am very happy with the photos I took, but even they cannot really express just how beautiful the rolling hills are.  If you ever find yourself in Kansas - take a drive out, you will be very happy you did! 

185 thru 189

Oh I am horribly behind on my 365 photo posting. I take the photos and fail to post - boo! Been traveling quite a bit for work and life is just keeping me away from the computer - good for me, but bad for blogging. :) So ... here is my life according to instagr.am for days 189 thru 185.

189 : bold moves and urban wood in Indianapolis

188 : Test driving cars for the P's in the burbs - a beautiful sunset drive home

187 : feelin' hot hot hot

186 : a beautiful night at Ravinia with Gavin DeGraw, Cobie Calait, good food and friends

185 : Fergus watch : day one

sloane 6 mos

Soooo late editing photos from Sloanes 6 month shoot.  Only a few good ones, but we sure had fun!  *Note to self:  only shoot on white background that is paper - sheets suck as a backdrop.  Much happier with brown fuzzy blanket - even though Sloane kept eating it.*  This kid always has a smile on her face ... I mean how could not love capturing that?  It is so hard to think that she's 6 months already! 

she loved it when I brushed my hair over her face - just made her giggle and giggle

190 back to the hotel

Happy Monday peeps! Here's a BORING photo to start the week off right. Um... Must do better!

On a sad note... I learned today - via Facebook - that one of my sorority sisters passed away suddenly in her sleep.  While I have not seen her in years, it is still unexpected at only 40 years old.  And to find out via social media is just so strange - Facebook, friendship and death.  Her page, once full of her life and interests is now a memorial to those that she touched.  Rest in peace Randi.

... via iPhone ...

190 lemonade

Elliot's lemonade stand was a huge hit! I went and hung out for a little while and was totally impressed by all of the people who stopped to buy cookies and lemonade! They are in a great spot and had lots of college kids stop and partake. So cute!