Farm vs. City

Looking at my trip photos brings so much joy to my heart. We covered a lot of ground in Illinois. The contrast between the corn fields and the city is striking. Me playing with the doggy are some of my favorite photos from the trip. Something about the open space and countryside brought such peace and contentment to my heart. 

The view from the John Hancock Building was breathaking. We went up during a storm so there was no line, and hardly anyone up there with us. We had some tea and sat down, and watched the storm rage outside. When the fog and clouds finally cleared we had a beautiful view of the whole city.

Visiting the Bean

Jacket: Target | Scarf: J.Crew | Hat: Target

Hello friends! I've been a little negligent about posting. Here are some more photos from our trip to Illinois. I had never been to Chicago (or the Midwest, for that matter,) before and loved every minute of it. We went to Millenium Park and it did NOT disappoint. What a beautiful park! On par with Central Park in NYC and Hyde Park in London, for sure. 

As you can see it was very foggy in Chicago (Karl was visiting, from SF!) so I'm glad I had my trusty black hat with me when we were visiting The Bean. (I pretty much wore it the entire weekend... love shoving my hair under a baseball cap.) How beautiful is this red leaf, too? I just loved Illinois in October. Seeing the seasons, which we get so little evidence of here in Los Angeles, was such a treat!

Visiting the Apple Orchard

We arrived in Chicago on Friday afternoon. We started the day off with Chicago style pizza and then headed to an apple orchard, which was high on my list of "fall things" to do in the Midwest. It was beyond charming. We came home with bundles of apple everything. Apples, Apple Pie, Apple Donuts, Apple Cider... I was in apple heaven!

Tshirt: Marshalls | Leggings: Gap | Boots: Nordstrom | Sweater: Gap | Hat: Target

Home Sweet Illinois

I'm spending 5 days in Illinois visiting SH's family. We are out in the beautiful countryside playing in corn fields and walking along dirt roads. I love it out here. Everything seems simpler in a beautiful sort of way. Here's what I wore for an afternoon walk. The sun was shining but the air was cool and crisp- perfect fall weather.

 

Sweater: Joie | TShirt: Gap | Jeans: Joe's Jeans | Boots: LL Bean | Scarf: Burberry | Hat: Target | Bag: Longchamp | Bracelets: Assorted

Tips & Tricks: Finding the Right Hostess Gift (and Getting it on the Airplane)

I am going to visit SH's family next week, and I have been brainstorming for weeks about what I would like to take as a hostess gift!

Marthastewart.com has some great ideas, a few of which are listed below. See article here. Some of the ideas I liked most would be difficult or impossible to take on an airplane, namely the "Hot-Sauce Hostess Gift" and "Fresh Peach Infused Vinegar" but they would be great for a closer trip. 

Ideas include:

• Taper Candles
• Hand-Made/ Personalized Coasters
• Home-Made Pasta
• Wine or Other Spirits
• A Geographically Famous Item (Such as Ghirardelli Chocolate from San Francisco)
• A Hand-Made Kindle Cover (Assuming the Hostess has a Kindle!)

Ideas that I like if you know your hostess pretty well, and have an idea of what her decor/style/scent preferences are, include:

• Scented Candle 
• Christmas Tree Ornament
• Picture Frame with a Nice Photo
• Hostess' Favorite Candy
• Tea Towels

Remember, presentation is (almost) just as important as the gift. Even when people have given me squashed wrapped gifts that took a little wear and tear in the suitcase or carry-on, I appreciate the effort and thought they put into wrapping it. Personalize your gift as best you can, perhaps with some nice wrapping or twine, and a thoughtful card. Don't leave it to the last minute (which I am often guilty of doing!) You'll thank yourself when the gift-giving time comes.

What are your favorite hostess gifts to give and/or receive?

Wednesday Wishlist: Casual Fall

Happy October! I am so excited for Los Angeles weather to start cooling down. I just want to cozy up under blankets with pumpkin ravioli and Once Upon a Time (I'm so excited for the new season!!) I hope you all have a great start to October.

Casual Fall by lovecoffeetea featuring a wire bead bracelet