Chicago

| top - Michael Kors via TJ Maxx, jeans - Madewell, sandals - Gap, hat - Banana Republic, bag - Kanken |

Nate and I took a quick trip to Chicago this weekend to visit my family and see a bit of the city. Our last visit was centered around the heart of downtown Chicago, so this time we took it to Wicker Park to get a feel for its neighborhoods.

My cousins are growing up so fast. Addison was in diapers and barely walking the summer I lived with my family and now she dances around the yard and runs around the house in her "princess heels". 

Rose's - our last stop. This place is celiac heaven - only here am I able to look at an entire menu and order WHATEVER I want. If you know someone that has celiac disease, tell them about Rose's. 

Chicago- Sprinkles edition

My goal in Chicago was to take so many photos that I would begin to even annoy myself. To say that I failed to do so would be the understatement of the year. So,  here are three photos I captured during our Sprinkles adventure...I mean, if to photograph anything it's a cupcake trip, right?

 

I'm a sucker for branding

 

 

I can't even remember the last time I had a red velvet cupcake that didn't immediately crumble after the first bite so, thank you, Sprinkles. This cupcake well deserves its "G".

 

...and then I dropped the last bit of my cupcake on the sidewalk. 

Travel Essentials

I'm off to Chicago tomorrow morning! This will be my fourth trip to the windy city this year and I simply cannot wait. Last night, as is every night before a trip, was spent doing laundry, cleaning up and planning/writing out my packing list in my planner. Packing light is something I perfected while studying abroad-- never again will I check a bag. Above are some of the essential items I bring on each and every trip. 

Home away from home

I spent last summer living with my aunt, uncle and three adorable cousins in Chicago and (needless to say) I miss it. I love going back whenever I can and would dive into any opportunity to live here-- it is one of my absolute favorite cities. 

Here are a few snapshots from my trip...

 

 Freshly manicured nails and the new Lucky issue-- and let me just say, it's a must read.

 

 "My platform"

 

 An entirely gluten-free bakery. Need I say more?

 

Curls. Curls. Curls.

Oh. and a smile that make you melt on the spot.

Making my way home tomorrow, full of motivation and well rested.