Today I am thankful for long lasting friendships! I have the most beautiful, smart, creative friends and I love each and every one of them! I am so thankful for all of the experiences we've shared and memories we've created. xoxo
thankful : day 1
I am going to attempt to do the month of posts for things that I am thankful for... here's hoping I get something posted everyday!
Today I am thankful that I have the means to treat myself to special things. Things like travel, concerts, mani/pedis, massages, fancy chocolates and meals out and about with friends! I recognize these things all cost money and not everyone can treat themselves like I do. Work hard = Play hard!
oh fall how beautiful you are
music monday : yuna
listening to 'live your life' [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/60421080" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]
graceland instameet
Took in my first #instameet yesterday at the Graceland Cemetery - a beautiful park cemetery that has a some of Chicago's most famous residents - specifically architects and designers! There were about 35/40 of us walking around with cameras - mostly camera phones since it's specifically for instagrammers - while listening to one guy tell us about some of the notables. I both liked and disliked the instameet ... it's always great to meet new people with like hobbies and interests, but it kind of sucks to have 40 people all trying to photograph the same subject at the same time. Patience is certainly a requirement!! I have enjoyed watching instagram fill up with everyone's take - such different styles! I took a LOT of photos - I love statuary and the weather was really adding to the mood of the day, so lots of shots!! Here are just a few. *wink*
Oh and as I was wandering around I ran across a Seymour headstone - my grandmother's maiden name was Seymour! Might have to look the Chicago Seymour's up to see if we are any relation! 
[ bw ]
cupcake
While downtown last weekend I happened upon More Cupcake shop and decided to pop in. I have seen their vans around, but hand't heard much about them. It's a very small little shop - just shelves of cupcakes and a little spot to pay, nicely designed - clean and modern. We were in line when a large group arrived - the two girls working the counter had them wait outside till most everyone had cleared. Once they were in, one girl proceeded to give her 'spiel' ... it was very fast and not very informative about the shop at all. The only thing I took away from it was that they were out of their most popular cupcake - salted caramel - and that the cupcakes cost $3.50. My friend and I asked a few questions about the cakes and the two girls behind the counter could not have been more annoyed by them. But, um, this is our first time here and you have no menu describing your product... Anyway, we each picked up a couple and went on our way.
I got lemon meringue and chocolate caramel. Of the two, I liked the lemon meringue the best - both had fillings inside the cake and that might have been the best part. They do fall prey to my biggest cupcake peeve - imbalance. Too much frosting for the amount of cake.
Bottom line ... they were good, but nowhere near the best I've had and certainly not worth the attitude. Wasn't crazy about their packaging either - I got home with two cupcakes and had to open both boxes to see which cake was in which box ... the designer in me is screaming 'why?'
leven family 2013
Popped into Robin's to catch the last part of Jordyn's fifth birthday party - the first in their new home! They set everything up in the unfinished basement and the kids loved it - loads of room to run and play! We tried to get a few family photos after, but you know how kids are... especially after they just partied it up! 
ohc : fourth pres
The Chicago Architecture Foundation is hosting Open House Chicago - a giant open house of 150 of the coolest places in the city - landmarks to design firms and everything in between. It's a great event - heavily attended, long lines at the most popular places. And the best part ... it's free! The only problem is that you have to be very organized - know the hours each site you want to visit, map out your attack and get out early to get in as much as possible!
I stopped in Fourth Presbyterian Church to see if I could finally get past the main hall, but sadly they had a private event and closed to the tour at 1pm - I failed to do my research! Oh well. I got some fun shots anyway. Will have to do better planning next year!
listening to : my name is you
Saw these guys as an opening act a while back and looooooved them! Her voice is so rich! [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/94318449" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]