Noble Experiment

I'm starting to become a pro at these quick weekend trips home. This time it was to surprise my dearest friend Jessica for her birthday and thanks to some sly planning and a few white lies, she was truly surprised to see me last Friday night at Noble Experiment in downtown San Diego. I like the novelty in the design of Noble Experiment as you enter through a wall of what appears to be a stack of kegs that you push open to the entrance of the bar. The idea of the speak easy, prohibition era bars are starting to become a dime a dozen in cities all over the country, but nonetheless, they are all so unique that each experience is something in itself. The decor at the bar was very Haunted Mansion-like and the drinks were as strong as the number of ingredients listed for each one!

Unfortunately the girls and I got a little too silly and I, oopsie!, came home with barely any photos of my weekend trip home. Between my Iphone, Intagram and my canon, here is what I ended up scrounging up.

[View from Jessica's new apartment. Lucky!]

TopShop

The second US TopShop location opened in Chi town this past Thursday and the British retailer is bringing lots of excitement to Michigan Ave! I went the day after the grand opening to avoid grand opening and FNO traffic and was not disappointed by the aesthetics and fun fall fashions. Personally, I think paying $80 for a polyester shirt warrants a trip to the likes of H&M/F21, but nonetheless, there were plenty of pieces worth impulsively paying up for, like $12 frog pearl earrings =).

Rocky Mountain High

I spent last weekend away from Chicago to visit the oh-so-beautiful state of Colorado, which I will always consider my second home (I'm starting to acquire a few "homes" as the years go on as you can tell). I now have a new reason to call it home as I am a new auntie to the most adorable small person on the planet. You will surely be able to spot the resemblance. I am not the most kid-friendly adult, especially as I adjust to living in the city, but this little one made it quite easy to adapt. Reading his mama's blog also helped to prepare me!

[Boulder, CO]

[Baby blogger training]

[Baby Einstein]

[Happy baby]

[Future CU Buffalo]

[I die for this outfit. Must buy to keep myself warm during winter]

[Downtown Denver with the ladies]

[Newlywed and New Mama. Still got it!]

Year One

I can't believe that one year ago, today, I left my beloved San Diego for the Second City! I have grown to love Chicago and can finally call it my humble home. The last year has been quite the experience to say the least: from leaving San Diego and driving through Vegas, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore and finally arriving in Chicago to a new job, new friends, luxury and vintage shopping that can easily make the richest go broke, the absolute best food spots, festivals and street fairs up the wazoo, quick flights to NYC and visitors, lots of visitors. One year successfully lived, and hopefully the years to come only get better!

[San Diego will always be my first love]

[My crazy year via IPhone Photo Album]
[Yellowstone][Mt Rushmore][Chicago welcomes us][FOOD: Arami Sushi, Glazed Bacon donut from Nightwood, Hot Dougs, Bonsoiree, afternoon tea at the Peninsula Hotel homemade Cinnabons]
[SHOPPING: One of my favorite dresses from Akira, winter FUR, home goods, Randolph Market][AROUND TOWN: Ferris Bueller night at the Art Institute, Millenium Park Music Mondays, Wicked, The Bulls, Lollapalooza, House party celebrations, St. Pattys Day][CHANGE OF SEASONS: Fall and Winter][Quick NYC getaways][VISITORS: Mama and various special friends]