My Top 5 Things To Do In Chicago

I love Chicago!  There's tons of stuff to do and see, It's easily accessible to me,  and mostly I feel like a different person when I'm there.  Something about the big city appeals to me.  I guess it's the fast pace of life and the fact that I can strap on my most comfy shoes and walk all over the center of the city. After all the best way to explore a city is on foot.

So for any of you that have never been to the Windy City and want ideas on the best things to do while there, I've made a list of my top 5 things I like to do when I'm in Chicago. I've been there several times and I'll admit I haven't done it all, but of all the things I have done these are my favorite.  Keep in mind these are not in any particular order. 

1). The 90 minute Architectural boat tour.  There are a few of these, but I have done the one by Wendella Boat Tours every time.  It truly is a must do for the first time visitor.  It gives you a little orientation of the city.  The information provided by the guides is interesting and the plus to doing the 90 minute tour is you go out into Lake Michigan for a great view of the Chicago skyline.

2). The view from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck at the top of the John Hancock building.  In my opinion this is the best place to take in a sweeping view of Chicago and beyond. 

3). Visiting the animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo.  A short bus ride form the center of the city in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is the free Lincoln Park Zoo.  I was incredibly impressed with this zoo.  It's the perfect size and perfect for the kiddos.  What's my favorite thing there?  Hands down watching the Meerkats play is a treat.  They always bring a smile to my face cause they are so darn cute!

4). Art Institute Of Chicago.  If you love art you have to go to the Art Institute.  The special expeditions are always changing, so there is something new to see.  I am especially waiting for the special Van Gogh 3 Bedrooms exhibit that will begin in February and run through May.

5). Millenium Park.  After (or before) visiting the Art Institute, as long as you are in the neighborhood, take a stroll through Millenium Park. An oasis in the middle of the city, the park always has something going on.  Visit Cloud Gate (aka the bean), the Crown Fountain,  and Lurie Garden in the summer. In the winter you can lace up your skates and take a spin at the McCormic Tribune Ice Rink.

6). Shopping alone the Magnificent Mile and State Street.  Ok I know I said my top 5 things, but I cannot leave out something for those of us who love to shop!  Really, Michigan Avenue is world famous for shopping and I love the mix of designer stores on the North end, but I love State Street shopping just as much.  Most people think that shopping downtown is not for the budget conscience, but really with the great mix of discount retailers such as TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack, you really can find a bargain!  I know, because while I do splurge once in a while, I am always looking for the biggest bang for my buck.  There's something for everyone on these 2 streets.

I hope this helps those of you that are going to Chicago for the first time, or maybe you've been before but never seen something on my list.  Chicago is a great city to visit with world class theater, eating, sporting events, shopping, and art.  Put Chicago on you list of places to visit and you will not be sorry.  Oh, and don't forget to find one of the many Garrett Popcorn shops throughout the city and go stand in line to pick up some of that famous Chicago mix.  After all, you need some refueling after all that shopping!!

Tuesday Travel Snapshot: Springtime In Paris

Welcome to my weekly Tuesday feature!  Every Tuesday I plan on posting photos from my travels to share with my followers.

This is one of my favorite photos from my trip to Paris.  I was there in early April and the flowers were blooming everywhere.  This pic was taken in front of a flower/garden shop on Rue Cler, a cute little market street near the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondisment.  I can almost smell them!  Since it is almost Spring here in Wisconsin USA I thought the time was right to share this photo.

Reliving My Paris Vacation

It's been awhile since I've posted anything.  The long dark days of winter usually mean lots of time spent hibernating at home with just short trips out.  As a result, I haven't had much to write about lately, basically just trying to lose the 10 pounds I gained during the holidays and spending my Saturdays driving an eager teenager to her beginning gymnastics classes 50 miles away. Yup, pretty uneventful, but as spring is right around the corner things are looking up. In April I have a fun overnighter planned with a very good friend to see Garbage in Madison. Absolutely LOVE seeing live music!  In June I turn the big 5-0!  I'm still trying to decide what to do to celebrate this milestone!

So as the anniversary of my Paris trip comes up, I am longing to relive those days spent in my kinda paradise.  Today I pulled out my pictures, map, and Rick Steves Paris guidebook and went back to that wonderful trip.  This was one of my favorite things from that trip.

It was day three which was a free day for everyone in our tour group.  I knew exactly what I wanted to do....go shopping of course.  My goal was to buy an authentic Longchamp handbag in Paris.  I wanted to go to a Monoprix for some french cosmetics and a few clothing items and I wanted to go to Bon Marche and  La Grande Epicerie, the gourmet grocer next door.  So armed with my trusty guidebook and my Michelin Paris map off I went in the morning after breakfast.  I was pretty confident I would have no trouble finding my way.  I love to read maps and I had studied where I was gonna go.  Since our hotel was by the Eiffel Tower I found my way to Boulevard de Grenelle and set off on foot toward La Bon Marche.  I found a nice sized Monoprix on this street right across from a Mc Donald's.  I spent lots of time here
 scanning the aisles of cosmetics and skin care items.  This was heaven to me.  So much to chose from it was making me dizzy.  I ended up buying some Boujous mineral makeup and lip-gloss and a tube of Bioderma matte primer.  I couln't leave without some cute funky jewery and some inexpensive tops. I also loaded up on some chocolates to take home. I went to check out and had a little trouble using my credit card, of course the clerk was speaking rapid fire french to me that I could not understand.  I just pulled out another card and thank goodness this one worked!!

So off I was back on Boulevard de Grenelle, then to Boulevard Garibaldi and finally Rue de Sevres to my destination.  I arrived first at La Grande Epicerie.  This grocery was unlike anything I have ever seen before.  I mainly wandered around looking at the aisles of sweet treats.  This place is a food lovers paradise! I ended up purchasing more chocolate (a surprise I know!) and some souvenirs.  By this time I had worked up an appetite and went to the pastry counter and decided a pain au chocolate would be the perfect snack.  Next stop La Bon Marche.  Here I was on a mission.  It was afternoon by this time and I wanted to get back to the hotel in time to rest a little before dinner. I easily found the Longchamp department right on the first floor.  Oh how I wished I could explore every floor of this iconic department store!  In the end I came out of there with not one but two Longchamp handbags.  Oh what a happy girl I was.  I did exactly what I set out to do that day.

Back to the hotel I went.  Wait, I had one more thing to do!  There was a pain au chocolate calling my name in one of my bags.  I found a bench on a tree lined street and sat and enjoyed that yummy pastry.  Absolute heaven,  My shopping day was complete!

Ode To My Favorite Fashion Accessory....The Scarf

Oh dear scarf, how I love you.

I can wear you countless ways

Around my neck, or on my bag handle

You sure do aim to please

 Okay I know I am not a poet, but my love of scarves is well known.  I have always loved what a good fashion accessory can do to liven up an outfit.  Really no matter what your clothing budget is, there is always room for a colorful scarf.  You can find them in all different price ranges.  Believe me, I do not own a Hermes (although I would LOVE to). I believe the most expensive one I own cost about $25.00.

I think my love affair with the scarf began many years ago in on my first visit to Chicago on a bus trip to see Donny Osmond in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Chicago Theater.  The theater as you may know is located right by the famous then Marshall Field department store on State Street.  Our bus arrived several minutes early before the show started and I could not pass by the fact that the FAMOUS Marshall Fields was right there.  So being the shopaholic that I am, I just had to go in that store.  Of course we didn't have much time so we could only scan the accessories floor off the street.  Looking for something to catch my eye, I came upon this silky leopard print rectangular scarf!  Well it was love at first sight complete with the beam of light from above and the sound of a chorus singing awwww! Well, you get the idea.  I found my token that would forever remind me of that day.



My very first scarf bought in Chicago



That started the beginning of a very good relationship.

Then came my Paris trip!  Well I was is scarf heaven!  Everyone wore one, even the men.  They were everywhere.  I knew in my research before my trip that all Parisians owned scarves and I knew I would fit right in.  I went and bought more before I even left just so I would not feel left out!

The very first day in Paris while everyone else was strolling through Notre Dame, I took off to the little shops right along there and bought my very first scarf in Paris!  I ended up buying three more for myself and some for gifts for friends when I returned home.



My Paris scarves

I wear scarves all the time especially in winter.  I just love how they can jazz up a white blouse or a plain sweater.  Sometimes I tie my smaller ones onto the handle of my handbag for a little French flavor.

They are fun to experiment with and if you are stumped as to how to tie one, just go to Pinterest, type scarf in the search box and I guantee you will find more ways to tie a scarf than you dreamed possible.  You can be creative and tie one in your hair as a headband too.

I probably own about 15 scarves in all.  Some heavy winter ones and some lightweight silky ones like my  Chicago leopard.

So don't be afraid of the very versatile scarf.  It can add a dash of color and texture to your outfit!  It's a great way to let your personality shine through!

Friday Night Frolic In A Small Town

I have to say that I don't always like living in a small town.  Sometimes I long for the hustle and bustle of a big city.  Always something to do no matter what time of year it is.  Chicago is my favorite go-to city when I crave that excitement.  I'm just 3 hours away via car and train and I'm right downtown.

That being said, when we have some excitement in my small town of Kiel, Wisconsin I like to check it out.  This year a group of downtown businesses got together to host a new event called Frolic On Fremont.  This took place Friday night from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. These businesses along with some others had in-store drawings and specials and the participating ones get together to donate gift certificates for one lucky winner provided you visited all the businesses and got a card initialed from each one and then it was thrown in for a big drawing.


My new favorite store Sneak A Peek Boutique



One of these participating businesses is one of my new favorite places called Sneak A Peek Boutique.  This shop is made for me.  Inside you will find lots of my favorite things including handbags, scarves (LOTS and LOTS of scarves), jewelry, hats, lots of gift items and even special occasion cards.  This place is packed with cleverly displayed things!  I had just stopped in and made some purchases last weekend and I made some more purchases Friday night.  Best part is, everything is reasonably priced so you can buy lots! The only bad thing is you need your checkbook or cash.  No cards excepted!

All in all it was a nice night and even the hubby came along with Megan and I!  We purchased a few items, stopped in to visit the new barber in town and got our entry stamped with all the businesses.  The best part was seeing all the people out and about enjoying what our small town has to offer.  I can remember growing up in the same small town whent Friday nights were spent downtown shopping.  Not only grocery shopping, but back then we had a few clothing shops, a shoe store, the local hardware store (which is still going strong) and when you were done with your Friday night shopping there were plenty of restaurants to fill the empty stomach!  We hardly ever went to any of those bigger cities like Green Bay or Appleton.  Everything was right here.



Ornament display inside Jess's Floral & Gift



Okay so maybe it's not so bad living in a small town.

If you are in town sometime and want to stop in Sneak A Peek, it's on the west end of Fremont Street which is our main street in town.