New apartment

This past weekend was spent moving into my new apartment! One of my longtime best friends came up to the windy city and helped move me up 7 floors to my brand new apartment.  I moved into the building in April in the hopes that I would be able to move into a studio apartment at some point.  I was in a one bedroom deluxe apartment on the 2nd floor and now I have a much better view, great apartment-studio style, and an extended lease...so no more moving on my birthday!!!!!! 

I am so beyond thankful for Mindy coming up.  She ended up staying until Sunday because of moving complications.  Turns out the elevator was only available for me from 6:30-8:30 on Friday morning or Saturday evening from 5:00pm-7:00pm.  We took the later time slot. 

Mindy came up on Thursday night to come to my Men's Style event as well.  She was given a taste of what my job is like.  After the event we chose to go get dinner and go to The Pump Room for a cocktail.  Friday morning we had breakfast at the apartment and then took the day and went shopping.  We had lunch in the new cafeteria at Water Tower Place-Foodease.  How delicious!!! It reminded me so much of lunch in New York at a bodega! Oh, how I miss those. 

Friday night, Mindy and I went out in Wrigglyville.  It was so fun! I usually go out in River North, so it was a nice change of pace being up north at some new bars.  Here are some pictures from the weekend! 

Love my job!

 Pump Room

At Kate Spade playing around.

Out on Friday night!

 Kylie and I at JohnBarleyCorn

 The view from my rooftop! Breathtaking!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Well this past weekend I had an event on Saturday and then took the train home so I could be home for Mother's Day! It was great! Austen was actually in town on Thursday for a couple job interviews that he lined up and then had the opportunity to stay and see one of my events.  We then had the privilege of taking the South Shore Train Line home together.  After finally arriving at home, I was able to spend some quality time with my momma.  It's always so great to give her a hug.  Every time, I feel like I'm still younger and that I'm giving her a hug everyday, like when I used to live at home.  Her hugs are full of comfort and joy! They always make me remember our special times together reading.  I used to read to her out loud and sometimes she would read to me out loud before bed.  Being a teacher, she knew how to read so well.  Always using inflection on the punctuation.  So here is to my mother!  Happy Mother's Day mom!!!! You are loved so much and always will be! 

Best, 

Blair

Nashville, TN

This past weekend I had the true privilege of traveling down to Nashville, TN!  What an amazing experience I had! I am missing it so much as I sit here and write about it! I was originally scheduled to travel down for work on Saturday & Sunday, however knowing one of my best friend's lives down there...I decided to come down a day early! Flying out of Chicago on Friday morning and arriving into the BNA airport around 12:30.  My friend Rachel came and picked me up and then it began...non-stop laughter, tears of excitement, constant talk about boys...right where we left off!  We hadn't seen each other (other than through Skype) since college graduation.  The entire weekend was a much needed vacation and so worth every penny spent! I would have to say the best part of Music City is the live music in EVERY bar, restaurant, or even on the side of the street.  It's such a friendly city and full of energy!  I will definitely be going back again soon!!!!  Thanks Rachel for such a great weekend! Miss you already!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! 

The band playing at Robert's  

Saturday night spent at The Stage-where they filmed Country Strong!

Sunday evening spent at The horse ranch!

Monday we went to Vanderbilt's campus to explore 

 The magnolia trees at Vanderbilt were BEAUTIFUL!!! I want one!

 One last trip to the stage before getting on the plane to come home!

 While there, we met this man named Cliff who ended up buying all of us a souvenir! :) I now have a nice "The Stage" coffee mug in my cupboard.  Thanks Cliff! :)

Spring, Spring, Spring

Happy Friday everyone!

So I want to say that Spring has Sprung in Chicago, however, it's still quite cold here.  I do enjoy that I can wear my sunglasses everyday, but I would like to replace my peacoat with my brand new trench coat.  

Button Front Tops
Bracelets

Love this look with all the color!!! Such an inspiration for Spring '12.

Anyone Can Cook

“Great cooking is not for the faint of heart. You must be imaginative strong hearted; you must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from, your only limit is your soul.” 

-Ratatouille

It's crazy to think that two years ago when I was getting ready to graduate from Purdue this quote was my motto.  It still is a great way to live by, but it's interesting how different our paths can be sometimes.  I never once thought I'd be living in Chicago 2 years after graduation.  At this point, New York feels almost like a faint memory.  This city is so unique.  There is so much life downtown during the week and then in the neighborhoods on the weekends. It's almost the opposite of New York.  I'm so unbelievably excited for the summer to come...the beach, the beach, the beach!!! That's all I have been thinking about lately! Last summer, when I came to Chicago to visit, during the summer, I literally fell in love...one year later, here I am! 

Back and at it...

Well it has been a while since I have last written....seeing that I'm back from my hiatus I will update you on everything that has been going on.  Once I moved to Chicago the job took off with full speed.  We had a grand opening in Milwaukee, WI and then jumped right into our annual Flower Show.  Both of these events I was executing as opposed to completely planning on my own. A nice transition into what was to come.  

In addition to working, I have now hired a trainer to get my body beach ready once June hits...which will be here oh, so soon.  He's great though. I can't say that I leave a workout and am disappointed.  I'm starting to see results as well, which is exciting to say the least. It's been great because amongst all the chaos that my life has become, lately, this is one thing I don't have to think about. 

On top of work and working out, I was required to move out of my current apartment by April 1.  Between all that was going on and then moving to the city, not knowing where I wanted to live, I was expected to find a place. After MULTIPLE apartment showings, I finally found one.  I could not be happier with my decision.  I'm in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast and I absolutely love it.  I'm 2 blocks away from the beach and super close to the train, making my commute to work, very easy!!!! I originally moved into a one-bedroom apt hoping that once more availability opens up I could move into a studio.  Well, I am very excited to say that come June 1st I will be in a lovely, studio-deluxe apt on the 9th floor. :) 

Ok, well pictures to come... 

For now,

Blair

Uninspired

So I've decided to take a hiatus from blogging for a while. Not feeling very inspired lately. Life in Chicago has been interesting. Things are really hard on your own with all your friends in a completely different city. To get through everything I'm going to get back to journaling.