Thursday, December 16, 2010

Chicago Trip

shopping on Michigan Avenue

walking to dinner

Michigan Ave at night



our enormous slice of mud pie from Hugo's Frog Bar

pretending we're Ferris Bueller


The view from John Hancock building

audio tour at John Hancock

Garrett's Popcorn (one of Oprah's favorites things)

Gino's East deep dish pizza


Our trip to Chicago was action packed and filled with delicious food (Gino's East, Hugo's Frog Bar, Garrett's popcorn, etc.), beautiful sights, shopping on Michigan Avenue, friends, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures.  I loved the city for all its food, culture, sights, energy, and friendly people.  I realized over the weekend that living in Southern California has really made me a wimp when it comes to cold weather.  After a wonderful weekend in the Windy City, I have to say I was happy to be greeted by 70 degree temperatures when arriving home to LA.

39 comments:

Diana Mieczan said...

Looks like you both had a wonderful time:) I love Chicago and what a sweet photos:) Hugs and kisses

Yvette said...

Oh how i would love to visit Chicago or Los Angeles!


Love,
www.afashionhouseofcards.blogspot.com

Lilacandgrey said...

looks like you had fun :)
<3 Cara
Lilac and Grey

Jamie said...

Oh Val that city looks amazing! It looks like you guys had a blast! I swear Chicago is on my to do list!!
xoxo

http://www.glamlatte.com

Nikki said...

OMG that pizza and mud pie... incredible!!! I think I need to take another trip to Chicago. The only time I went was during a blizzard and so we never left my sis-in-law's house!
Great pics, you guys look like you had a great time!!!

xx
Nikki

Lindsay said...

Such great photos Valerie. That mud pie looks amazing :) I agree we are spoiled here in so cal :) Glad you had a great time!

Same Sweet Girl: Memoir of a Southern Belle said...

Awww that looks like such a pretty place! My best friend from high school lives there and I have yet to visit her!! I really need to get up there!! I'm glad you had a great time. :)

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

I've been to Chicago 2x and i really like i there! that pizza and cake slice look amazing!

Anonymous said...

it looks so fun! Im dying to go to Chicago..maybe during the summer :)

Laura said...

Looks like a great trip! And omg that pie is huge and making me hungry :)

Lisa Griffin said...

i love chicago, it has such a great atmosphere, definitely one of my favorite cities!
www.indramaticfashion.com

Jessica said...

Love the pics Val, it looks really magical! Love the sparkling lights and enormous portions!

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

That looks like such a great trip! I've been to Frog Bar =)
Glad you and Gabe got to make some great memories and relax. I bet you're prepped for the holidays!

Josie said...

I LOVE Chicago; it's one of my favorite places. Specifically Michigan Avenue, haha. Looks like you two had a fantastic trip -- isn't it gorgeous at Christmastime?
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Alicia Lund said...

Okay I want some deep dish pizza for lunch now! Chicago is on my must visit list... one of these days!

Anonymous said...

Looks amazing! I love Chicago and would love to go back!

Amber said...

i am dreaming of 70 degree weather, you are so lucky to live in a warm climate.
that slice of mud pie has my name on it

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

Looks like so much fun! Love Chicago, although I have to say this time of year can be a little hard to bear. I've never been as cold as one New Years Eve in Chicago :)

xoxo

Deanna Pai said...

Yay, I'm happy you had fun in Chicago! Michigan Ave is the best around Christmas -- missing it is the only reason I'm sad about having to return to NY for winter break. So jealous! :)

Amanda @ Life with A.Co said...

OMG V, the food looks sooooo good!

No doubt living in SoCal has made you wimpy! I'm sure I'd be the same... but I am sadly living in -20 degree weather currently (celcius).

A.Co @ A.Co est. 1984

k said...

www i love chicago so much! I'm flying in there tomorrow! enjoy your warmth :)

Elle Sees said...

i haven't been to chi-town in years!

Nicole said...

So glad you had a good trip, I love Chicago . . . you def got a taste of the best we have to offer. Sorry I wasn't here when you visited . . . miss ya lots!

PursuitOfLLT said...

You got some great nighttime shots, Val! And that mud pie looks too good!

Glad you had a wonderful trip!! Come back soon :)

Kate said...

Aww, I LOVE that big blue christmas tree! So pretty! And that pizzzza... delish!

Ashley said...

Looks like you had an amazing trip! That pizza and mud pie are insane! :)

Jen Watts said...

sooo jealous! my sis and mom are leaving for their Chicago Christmas trip without me tomorrow....but that's ok, I'll just stay here and snuggle with baby girl. You are looking super cute as always :)

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Beautiful pictures!! Glad you enjoyed yourselves :)

And that pizza...OH.EM.GEE.

Marcie said...

Looks like you had a cold weekend too! I was happy to come back to our Cali weather as well. We are so lucky to live in this state, but visiting the cold is always fun.

xo M

J. said...

I love your coat!

Gabriel said...

What a great time in the Windy City! I'd like to check it out in some warmer weather!

Chicago Mom (Heather) said...

I'm glad you enjoyed "my" city! It is SO DARN COLD here right now!

I'd love to live in CA. :-)

Annie said...

awwww looks so fun!

Sierra said...

How lovely, looks like you had fun and it is nice to come home to CA after being cold. Pretty pretty lights.

georgia ~ gi gi said...

Aw, loved you pics!
I love Chicago this time of year! Not the cold, but the Christmas Decor!
Isn't Gino's East so yummy!
I think Jeremy and I are going to be there for New Years!
Your so lucky to live in 70 degree weather!
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
xo
gi gi

She Wore It Well said...

Trip looked wonderful Val! Such a magical winter wonderland. Didn't get time to make it to Chicago during my trip last year, but it's on the agenda for the next trip!

XO

gotmilk said...

that pizza and that dessert looked AMAZING

torrie said...

Chicago is definitely on my MUST-VISIT list. If for nothing else- for the FOOOOOD!!

I'm glad you had fun... what a perfect getaway before the holidays (and some nice "real winter" weather:)... I'm a wimp too.

Anonymous said...

Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets
I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I've been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

My web site - how can i make extra money online