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This year, I was lucky enough to visit the Windy City-Chicago, Illinois-with my sisters-in-law, Rebecca & Abbie. We left the day after Christmas and flew into a beautiful, snow-covered Chicago! We enjoyed dinner at a local pub and then headed to Howl at the Moon, a dueling piano bar, for a night on the town!
We took this picture of the famous Trump International Hotel & Tower from the Chicago River. We didn't stay there, but our accommodations at the riverfront Sheraton Towers were really nice. And, as you can see below, the breakfast was yummy!
But, now that I'm familiar with the area, I think I'd stay closer to the action....definitely somewhere on the Magnificent Mile! A wonderful strip of shopping & dining on upper Michigan Avenue.
Our first day in the city was the only day it snowed, which was fine for us southern gals! Nonetheless, we were troopers and managed to navigate around the city via bus & train with the help of Google Transit on my cell phone! All I had to do was put in the addresses and it told me what methods of public transportation to take--much better than any paper map! I consider it a must have for future trips anywhere!
Our first stop was to the Museum of Science and Industry. Let me start with OMG! It is absolutely fascinating! It had multiple floors of exhibits, all of which were interactive to some degree...and perfect for kids! It would definitely take more than a day to complete all this museum has to offer! I think one of our favorite exhibits was of Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle.
Later that night we made our way up to Wrigleyville-home of Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs. We had a nice dinner at a pub called Rockit, and then made our way over to the Briar Street Theatre to see The Blueman Group! I got the girls front row tickets for Christmas, and if you're not familiar with the show, that means poncho area! We had a blast and I definitely recommend seeing it, but be prepared for anything...especially on the front row!!
On day two, we decided to visit the Field Musuem and Adler Planetarium & Museum. The Field Museum is a must see--home of Sue, the world's largest, most complete and most famous T. rex and the Lions of Tsavo, better known as the maneaters in the movie The Ghost and the Darkness! We also saw a beautiful exhibit on Diamonds...oo-la-la!! The Planetarium was nice, but I think it we could have skipped it. But, if you're into space and whatnot, you'd probably enjoy it. It was just a little over my head! Good thing it was a beautiful view of the city!
Later that night, we got a little dressed-up and headed over to the John Hancock Center for a fabulous dinner at The Signature Room on the 95th and drinks at the Lounge on the 96th. There were gorgeous views of the city every way you turned...even in the powder room! I would suggest this rather than visiting the observatory, especially in 14 degree weather!
Our last day in Chicago was spent shopping! Nordstroms was our first stop--I could have stayed there all day! But, we went from there to all the other shops along the Mile: Forever XXI, Tiffany's, Saks, Macy's, Feline's Basement (great bargains!) H&M, American Girl and many more! We stopped off for a late lunch at Rosebud on Rush, an authentic Italian restaurant. It was definitely the girls favorite! Then, we moved south to State Street and shopped at Nordstrom's Rack. They had a few deals, but that store is nothing like the real thing! So, we back to the real Nordstroms one more time before dinner! :) Finally, we summed up our trip with Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at Uno. Yummy!
I think the four day, three night trip in Chicago was the perfect getaway! It's a fabulous city: clean, safe, friendly and beautiful! I will definitely be going back during warmer weather to visit: The Shedd Aquarium, The Skydeck at Sear's Tower, The Frank Lloyd Wright Tour, a Chicago Architecture Boat Tour, and Navy Pier! Thanks girls for a wonderful vacation!! xoxo Hannah
We're wishing for a snow day this weekend! Last time it snowed in Auburn, Matthew and I were on our way home from visiting my sister Audrey and her husband Jake in Hendersonville, NC. Unfortunately, we spent most of the day stuck in snow traffic in-and-around Atlanta. The trip normally takes about four hours, but that day it took eight! So, it was already dark by the time we got home. We did manage to roll up a quick snowman on the back porch to grab a few pictures. He was all decked-out with gumball eyes and a bottle cap mouth!
Needless to say, I think King could live without it all! I'm still keep my fingers crossed!
A couple of weeks ago, Matthew and I co-hosted a couples shower at our home with Bradley and Isaac Robertson for our good friends Andy and Stacey Jordan. They are expecting their first child, Oliver Liam, on January 25th. We couldn't be more excited for them! If I know Stacey, Oliver will be completely spoiled...the way every child should be!
I was super excited about hosting my fist baby shower, and I wanted everything to be special. So, I had my mother, Rita Carr, paint the stork illustration that I applied to the invitations. After that, the nesting theme was born and I literally when crazy!
I knew I wanted to make Stacey a diaper cake, but I wasn't sure how I was going to "dress" it up. After looking at several online, I decided to make burp cloths to cover each tier so that the fabrics coordinated with the shower. I think it turned out pretty cute, especially with the bird nest topper. Plus, she got a total of 5 new burp cloths! Who doesn't like that!?!
Since it was a couples shower, we had to have a gender friendly menu! *L* So, instead of girly finger foods, we had meatball sandwiches, antipasto squares, seven layer dip, hot wings, rotel dip and chocolate covered bird nests cookies for dessert! It was all so yummy! Definitely a menu to keep!
Bradley and I thought blue hydrangeas would be perfect, and since mine were blooming like crazy mid-November (weird, right?) we used them everywhere!
My sister, Audrey Walter, made these gorgeous wreaths for the front doors. They were the perfect touch, and I've been enjoying them ever since. Thanks sis!!
And, yes, they were the lucky winners of the Tiger Corey Bubble. It should be perfect for little Oliver next football season! And, isn't Andy hilarious in this photo?? *L* Now I have a good idea of what Oliver will look like wearing the outfit!! :)
Congratulations Andy and Stacey!! xoxo Hannah
Well, it seems that it was time for another baby shower and, yes, another Corey Bubble by Maja's Heirlooms! I'm pretty sure that you all think this is the only thing I'm capable of making, but they are super easy and so cute! I just can't resist! Plus, the more you make, the better you get at making them. I'm pretty sure this is the best one I've constructed so far!
The smocking plate is Tiny Tigers by Chris Pearce. I had a hard time finding it online, so if you come across it at a smocking store, be sure to pick it up. It's absolutely the most adorable tiger I've ever seen! It's so much fun to make with several bullions and french knots.
But, for now, I promise: I will not post another Corey Bubble. At least for a bit! I'm finishing up a few other goodies that I can't wait to share, and I'm sure you'll all love! xoxo Hannah
My wonderful sister, Audrey, saw an article in the October issue of Southern Living with these adorable Easy Owl-Ween Treats. She made them for the kids in her neighborhood for Halloween.
I thought it would be a yummy dessert for my monthly Supper Club with the girls. So, I recruited my sister-in-law Abbie to help assemble. I think I'll hire her again....she did an excellent job!
