Thanksgiving in Chicago

Happy post-Thanksgiving! I spent the little break I had celebrating, and feasting with my boyfriend and sister in Chicago. Although- I was looking forward for some snow and only found mild temps and lots of rain! Ah! Hopefully there will be snow when I return for New Year's (careful what you wish for). I hope you all had a great, yummy, restful Thanksgiving!
Enjoy some pics from my day on State street, the market at Daley plaza and an afternoon craving for sweets...

A pit stop at Christkindlandmarket for some lovely ornaments and to revisit my old lunch-time spot.(I actually miss the days of corporate Chicago).
And finally an afternoon snack at Magnolia's (!!) that just opened up on State street. My bf just spent 6 weeks in NYC for work and raved about the banana pudding! It was sooo yummy!
Cheers to the start of the holiday season! :)

Next at Next

I did Paris, missed Thailand, would love to go back to Childhood. Wouldn't you?
Update:  Next's video is temporarily disabled due to copyright issues with the music. They hope to have it back up soon. Here's the menu instead...

{picture of the day}

I am seriously missing Chicago these days. I'm swamped with work and I really miss the days of getting lost in the art institute, the MCA or the Cultural Center. You don't know what you've got till its gone, right? Pictured above is the cafe at the art institute. I would highly recommend you get there while the weather allows you to enjoy the outdoor courtyard. Sigh. Miss you my little city.

{12 hours in Napa}

  

A lovely view of the entrance of Round Pond. One of my favorite spots of the day. 

Wine tasting at Round pond, overlooking the vineyards and the owners homes. Their children live in nearby houses. How cute!

A trio of wine and samples of food picked straight from the garden. <3

Loved everything about this moment.

An incredibly delicious sampling of  the 2007 vintage at Opus One.  

Cabernet Sauvignon 79%, Merlot 8%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Petit Verdot 6% and Malbec 1% = heaven.

A light snack at Auberge du Soleil to keep us going.

For only $500-$700 a night you get an amazing view of Napa, and a pool fit for a Queen (or King).

 

After a scenic drive from Napa to Sonoma, per recommendations we found our way to the Glen Ellen Inn. And feasted on saffron mussels and grilled salmon. 

Can't wait to be back... and to think I traded in the Kinzie bridge for the rolling Mountains? 

xoxo