Snapshots :: Colorado

Hi all! DCT and I are back in the Chi and though we are feeling a little vacation hangover, it's nice to get back in the swing of things with renewed energy (even though it was a struggle to get out of bed this morning, haha!)

I have lots of pictures to share and will definitely try and post them all by the end of this week, for now here are a few snapshots taken via our iPhones :)

The first couple of days were spent tackling all our winter sports cravings, we went tubing the first day (which was a blast!) and spent the next refreshing our ski skills with lessons before hitting the slopes. We spent all our ski time at Keystone and even tackled their notable green slope - Schoolmarm, which is a 3.5 mile track, and after a full day of lessons I was definitely feeling it in my legs and hips by the time we got to the bottom. But it was quite exhilarating and well worth it, especially since we hit the resort spa for a couple's massage and a dip in the outdoor hot tub afterwards ;)

The rest of the trip was spent exploring the mountain, we toured Main Street of both Frisco and Breckenridge, drove out to Vail for lunch and to walk the high-class ski resort, and finally drove down to Denver for our last night to explore the city (and have some amazing eats along with a ping pong tournament!). Our last day there was actually my birthday and while most of the day was spent at the airport we were able to get up and out early enough to grab a birthday brunch, which was actually one of my favorite meals throughout the trip (but I'm not being biased or anything ;] )

Though I do miss the gorgeous scenery and relaxed atmosphere, I'm happy to be home and ready to hit the ground running! I hope everyone had a fabulous week and weekend! Here's to feeling re-charged and ready to take on the world ;)

Thanks for reading!

My Offline Life: Family Visits

Hi everyone! Sorry for the lack of posts this week, as I mentioned in my last one I had family come visit and all my time was spent showing them around town. The time went by way too fast, but it was great fun as well as a little exhausting, I'm in need of a vacation to recover from my vacation, haha! However it's back to the grind today, and I'll slowly begin to tick off the days to our European adventure (28 days and counting!).

I didn't want to leave you all completely hanging for the week, so I rounded up some photos of my mini staycation with part of the fam. We toured all around Chicago, from the aquarium, to the zoo, back to The Bean, there was a lot packed into just 3 days. So you can guess why I'm so tired, but I have to admit taking everyone around to all these places that I never visit unless someone is in town, really made me appreciate the city and reminded me why I love Chicago. I hope everyone has a great rest of the week and weekend, I'm not planning on doing much of anything expect be a bum, haha! Enjoy the photos!

The baby bro's first visit to Chicago!

We're a four-eyed bunch.

Jellies!

Loved this little guy, just hanging out staring at people staring at him, haha!

<3 my mama!

Obligatory Bean photo op. (he's so excited, can you tell?)

So glad they came!

'Till Next Time...

Currently Craving: Backpacks (and a long getaway)

Hi guys and gals! So it hit me the other day that I am in a serious need for a long vacay, work has taken over my life and I just really need a break. My mother and baby brother will be coming to visit in August, which will be nice. Then DCT and I are off to Europe for a couple weeks in September, which will be great! But man, oh man what I wouldn't give to go lay around on a beach for a few days right now, with a never-ending supply of mojitos....*sigh*

Unfortunately I don't have the time to go sneak away to an exotic locale, so I'll have to settle for traveling there in my dreams and continue counting down the days to my European excursion. Though our trip is still a couple months away (or 42 days if you want to be exact...haha), I've already started planning/imagining outfits to put together and shoes that I need want to purchase for my fashionable touristy strolls through Amsterdam, Paris and where ever else we may end up.

But besides the clothes and shoes, what I've really been craving for is an awesome backpack to tote around while doing touristy things. I feel like backpacks have been making a huge come-back, there are some gorgeous leather and fabric bags out there, I've decided I must have one for Europa. And to prove my point on how fabulous they are, I've gathered a few packs for your viewing (and possibly shopping) pleasure! Enjoy!

(Get a pack (from left to right): Leather - 1. Ally Capellino Hugh Backpack 2. ESSL 'Austrian' Backpack 3. Will Leather Lennon School Backpack 4. ModeKungen Backpack; Fabric - 1. Billabong Marcolla Backpack 2. Stela 9 Rosario Mini Backpack 3. Brandy Melville Backpack 4. Volcom Copy Cat Workbag; Drawstring - 1. I Don't Like Mondays Quilted Backpack 2. Gucci Vintage Backpack 3. Pull & Bear Studded Backpack 4. Tory Burch Dash Backpack)

How do you all feel about the backpack craze? Are they a yay or nay for you?

'Till Next Time...