LA Weekend

The weekend in LA was fantastic. Plenty of time off from being a Mom with insanely great food and even better friends makes for a perfect few days. Here is a little glimpse into what I did.  

Teas and shopping on Rodeo. Came across this adorable BCBG dress for 50% that I passed on, but now am kind of regretting. 

Read more after the break...

Memphis Recap

We had the best weekend in Memphis. Though it was beyond steamy, the Southern charm of this city and it's people get me every time. 

We were there to throw my mother in law a birthday party. The flowers we ordered turned out gorgeous, from La Fleur. We also got some old school polaroids cameras to make a book for the birthday girl to remember the night. Things got interesting as the night went on, so fun. 

The food was done by Another Roadside Attraction and everything was delicious. we opted for a traditional barbeque spread with ribs, brisket, potato salad, and corn bread. We added some watermelon with feta and mint and Matt's uncle made the most unreal smoked salmon I have ever had (side note: I usually am not a fan). Apparently he made it in one of those Green Egg Grills. I am going to try and get the recipe to share. 

My Aunt's house is so gorgeous with Southern touches you would expect and some you do not. 

Hello hunting room. Apparently this is a pretty standard room for the Southern gentleman. I worship her front entrance with the arched doors and lantern with graphic wallpaper. And nothing made me happier then there pool area with copper bar. 

And of course there was a front porch we all hung out on, too.  

With this handsome guy. 

I posted what I brought on Friday, but here is what jewelry I opted for. Lucite bracelet from Alexis Bittar and my favorite vintage necklace. 

On Saturday we went with some other out of towners to the Peabody to see the ducks, which apparently is the event of the century given the crowd there. They have special ducks that parade into the elevator. I got to drink champagne while watching, which was the highlight. The hotel itself is gorgeous and the flowers there were unreal. Beautiful place for drinks or tea. 

After we had some time to kill before dinner and kit up a local dive, Bardog, with a juke box. We did not eat, but there is apparently a phenomenal chef there making really delicious updates on American classics. 

We had dinner in the private wine cave at McEwen's. 

It was so good. They had a large selection of Southern classics with modern twists, including tons of small plates for sharing. And let's not forget the warm biscuits on the table. The roasted mushroom salad with candied walnuts, blue cheese, and balsamic glaze was heaven. 

If you are ever in Memphis I also reccemoned Germantown Commissary for authentic barbecue, the Botanical Gardens are beautiful and apparently have a great outdoor park or kids, and of course Graceland. While it is not the best spot to visit, it is kind of something you have to do and the decor is worth seeing. Sun Studio is also great for music lovers. 

I hope you had a great weekend too! Any other spots in Memphis that are a must see? 

xo

Erin 

Three Days in Chicago

Though I write about places that I visit, I rarely write about the very place that I live. Though I am now full time in the suburbs, the city still has my heart. Chicago is a place that literally comes alive in the Summer. And though I do not have the time or flexibility at this point to enjoy the city for a long weekend as I once did, you might. So here is my dream itinerary for three days in Chicago. Though it may not include the hottest of restaurants or the place to seen and be seen, it does include some great spots to enjoy a city that so deserves all the attention it should get. 

Friday

As long as it is nice out, a solo run on the lake is always a great way to start the day. Afterwards a smoothie from Protein Bar is delicious. I like the Comiskey Cocoa. Later let's lunch at Nomi on the terrace and drink rose, then maybe pop over to Sophia on Walton because tipsy shopping is kind of the best. After a glorious nap, we head to Sunda for dinner to munch on the crab hand roll and white tuna with truffle. If we have the energy, we might go for a drink at Hubbard Inn after at the bar upstairs. 

Saturday

Though our heads are a bit cloudy from last night, we head to Green City Market to find the best croissant and coffee stand. After walking through and buying bunches of flowers, it is brunch time at Stanley's. Nothing makes the day better than mac and cheese. Walking it off feels necessary, so we head down Wells and into Old Town stopping in shops that catch our eye. Later we have Goddess and Grocer pack us a picnic and hit up one of the outdoor concerts around town, hopefully a good one at Pritzer. Or even better, someone invites us on their boat to sip champagne and see the city all lit up. 

Sunday

All this eating requires a serious session at Core Power, but then is quickly followed by brunch at Feast in Bucktown. I will be ordering the chilaquiles and love juice. We shop down Damen and see where the day takes us. Hopefully to Sweet Mandy B's for a cupcake. If there is a game on, we saddle up at Sedgewick's with the college kids and pretend we are young again. Then it being Sunday, and all and because we clearly have not eaten enough, a big Italian dinner at Volare is totally necessary. But if we want to stay in wearing sweat pants, we dial up Lou Malnati's. 

Doesn't that sounds like a fantastic weekend? Obviously food is my main focus and how could it not be in a place that has so many great options. I could list literally hundred of other places to visit, but this is what came out first. What would you include? 

xo

Erin