The Golden Gate Experience

And...FALL IS HERE! Although, in Chicago, it is more brisk than everyone would like. However, I will take it! Scarves, leggings, sweaters, and the purple and burgundy trend; I love it all!  

This weekend was the first official weekend of Fall, based on the seasonal calendar system, and with that I am going to work on welcoming in a new attitude. Summer ended in a bit of a hazy fog.  I kicked off summer with a bang and was so excited to get to the beach and take bike rides, etc.  Towards the end of summer I was trending fall so much and looking forward to wearing my new riding boots that I took the last few days for granted.  

As most of you know, I just got back from a trip to San Francisco.  I was invited to attend the Grand Re-Opening of The Men's Store in Union Square in downtown San Fran.  I chose to fly out earlier than needed to do some sightseeing and exploring.  I had never been to SF and was so excited to see what that city had to offer.  

What a trip!  I would love to go back again and visit, however, I don't think it will be by myself again.  Not that it was a bad trip, but there were experiences that I had, that I would love to share with someone else, the next time I go back.  This was my first, true adult vacation.  The city is a great city to visit.  The Golden Gate Bridge is so pretty.  I would love to go bike riding over it the next time as well as take a trip to Napa and Sonoma for an official California Wine Tasting.

Now that I have had some time to reflect on the trip, I am so glad that I took it.  I am also so proud of myself for going out there solo for a couple of days to explore.  During that time I was able to pack in some QUALITY writing time!  Needless to say, my journal is almost halfway done. :)

Planning out my day at a coffee shop in Fisherman's Warf

Back in Chicago and ready to trend fall appropriately, I am excited to see what this season brings.  In just a few more months I will be at my one-year anniversary.  It will be here before I know it. :)  My how time flies.  Enjoy the pictures below! 

For now,

Blair

The entrance to Fisherman's Warf

Alcatraz Prison

Golden Gate Bridge- So pretty

Loved these images

The Random Life I Live

Whenever my friend Mindy comes to visit me in Chicago, she always laughs because she thinks that the most random events happen to me.  Well, as much as I would like to consider myself a normal, mundane person, that is just not the case.  I have to say...I am starting to agree with her. 

The other day I was offsetting my hours for work (had the day off) and was getting ready to walk into Water Tower Place to do a little shopping.  Before I knew it I was stopped by a blonde woman with a clipboard, asking me if I would be willing to be an audience member at The Steve Harvey Show taping tomorrow.  I didn't really know what to say, but considering I had the day off on Thursday as well, I decided to accept her offer.  

Thursday evening around 4pm, I entered the NBC building to attend The Steve Harvey Show.  What an experience.  Given the demographic of the average audience member I stood out like a sore thumb.  Also, I will have you know that when we walked onto the stage to hold the taping, they were playing, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire and Salt-n-Peppa's Push It!  :) I would expect nothing less.  

The taping took 4 hours which is a long time to hold a show.  They will edit that down and it will be a one-hour show.  I ended up sitting beside the coolest girls.  One was a South African Diplomat and the other was a French Ambassador.  It just goes to show that you shouldn't be afraid to go out and attend various activities by yourself because you never know who you will end up meeting.  The funny part about everything was that they just kept asking me about my employee discount with Macy*s or what sales were coming up.  At the end of the day...girls are girls and we love a good sale. 

For now, 

Blair

The Weekend Update

So with the chaos that living in a city can bring, I decided to head home this weekend for a relaxing few days with my parents.  The benefits of going home don't even compare to any vacation I could ever take: 

1. Hugs from my momma

2. Morning coffee chats with my poppa

3. Soft water to make my locks nice and shiny

4. Wine, wine, and more wine

5. Naps on my favorite couch

At the New Buffalo Farmer's Market

After a couple great days at home, my parents and I decided to head up to Southern Michigan and explore the various wineries in the area.  The first one that we went to was Founder's Winery in Baroda, MI.  While there, we struck up conversation with the owner and ended up extending our tasting to every bottle they had to offer.  "That was one of the best tastings I've ever had,"-Jana Burkholder

At Founder's Winery

Following Founder's we traveled to Sawyer, MI to get a flight of beer at the Greenbush Brewery.   The flight was delicious.  Split between the three of us, we were able to try 6 different beers. 

 

Our flight

We ended our trip to Pure Michigan with a dinner at Skip's restaurant.  I had a delicious wasabi tuna steak! Yumm!

Overall, the weekend was full of laughter, hugs, and amazing conversation between myself and the parentals.  I am so truly thankful for both of them!!!!  

As my mom puts it, "Remember, you can always go home again!" 

Take Care,

Love Blair