The Bean in The Bean - Chicago Trip

One of my ultimate life goals was always to visit Chicago (the Bean) aka Windy City aka Chi-town. Whatever you call it, its a fabulous place! More specifically, I've always wanted to get the famous Tiffany Bean by Elsa Peretti in Chicago and visit The Bean in Millenium Park.

We were invited to a wedding in Indiana to see some of Patrick's family, it just happen to fall on the Canada long weekend and just before his birthday (June 29th). Why not make a long weekend trip of it? That's exactly what happened. After we got back from Montreal we looked at flights to Chicago and the best price was with Porter Airlines. We had never flown with them but it was super cheap compared to other airlines and timing was perfect. Patrick found a great little hotel in The Loop, which was near everything!

Since we would be in Chicago on his birthday, I researched some great restaurants to celebrate and followed by a great bar for after dinner drinks that was all close enough to where would be staying. We decided on Devon Seafood Grill and followed by The Gage. We also found a Groupon for a Pizza and Crime Tour (a perfect pair while in Chicago!) and made plans to visit the Magnificent Mile - to visit Tiffany's, of course - then to Navy Pier and down to Millenium Park to finish off the only full day we had there before heading out to Indiana.

Devon Seafood Grill was delicious! We started with wine (of course) and Patrick had their famous Crab cakes which smelled delicious (but i'm not a seafood lover). I ordered the Blackened Hen with mashed potatoes and veggies. Patrick had a seafood pasta. The service was amazing from start to finish - definitely a good one to check out if you visit.

After dinner we walked back to our hotel, stopping along the river for some great shots of us and to take in the entire city. Its beautiful! We changed from our dinner clothes and headed down the street to The Gage - another great spot, where we started with Champagne to toast Patrick's birthday. Along with some drinks we ordered a charcuterie board to munch on which included some great cheeses and smokey meats. The Gage had great service and great music - located across from Millennium Park, which we realized the next day *sip sip*
We walked the streets of Chicago around our neighbourhood (The Loop) and had no issues of crime or felt unsafe. Granted, we both are street smart so if something didn't feel right we changed direction or dipped into a store along the way.

The next day was our first FULL day and it was jam packed with spots. We grabbed Starbucks from downstairs (it was beside out hotel..how convenient!) and walked to meet our walking tour guy for the Pizza and Crime tour. We started outside Pizzeria Uno (my favourite) and walked through the streets with a history lesson, stopping a few times to dip into restaurants - one in particular was a small museum of crime history within Chicago (so cool!). We visit the famous McDonald's Rock N' Roll location and then continued to a small park where we sat and shared another pizza from Giodano Pizza. I still preferred Pizzeria Uno's pizza.

When the tour was done, Patrick and I walked up the street to the Magnificent Mile. One of my bucket list checks was to visit Tiffany's and buy The Bean by Elsa Peretti while in The Bean (aka Chicago). This would be my first Tiffany's jewelry and I wanted it to be special. Its a beautiful location spread out on 2 floors. We browsed the first floor which seem to be their newest collection along with a wide spread selection of watches, sunglasses, and scarves. Heading upstairs to the second floor - I knew exactly what I was going for - scanning the glass boxes full of classic collections. BAM! found it. As the lady takes it out for me, I don't even glance over at Patrick with his smirk. She boxes it beautifully with a crisp white bow over top the blue box and places it in the bag. I pull out my wallet to get the cash I had specifically put aside for this trip's expense, when Patrick says "Stop. Put that away!" I didn't catch it at first, so he repeated it. Paid for it and we left....
I was speechless - my boyfriend just bought me my first Tiffany's...The Bean in The Bean! I carried that little blue bag the rest of the day because when we made our rounds and got to Millennium Park, that's where he would put the necklace on me. We made it to the bean, in the bean, with the bean and took our picture at the bean. Life Goal...Check!

Dinner was a quiet place nearby called Trattoria No. 10. Another great service, great food, great wine. We were bagged so took our time at dinner, followed by a walk through the streets at night. It was different to see the same thing during the day and at night. Our last night in Chicago - the next day we were off to Indiana for the wedding, only coming back to fly out on the following day.

I can honestly say that Chicago is at the top of my list of favourite cities I've visited. It has so much character, culture, and food! I'm already planning our next visit.

Loved this window decal!

Navy Pier

Does this fountain look familiar? Its from "Married with Children" show

At the Bean, in The Bean, wearing The Bean

We Moved Downtown

This has been planned since the beginning of the year - to move into a condo together. We each set out our needs and then compared; most of them were the same! Back in March we started looking, reached out to a rental agent to double up on the search for the "perfect" condo. We knew we would like to move in June or July because that was close to when Patrick's current condo lease would be up. We had a (what we thought) was a generous budget that we could live comfortably and still travel.

That last part was the biggest factor for not renting a house. Not only did we only need 2bedrooms but we also didn't want to spend the extra few hundred and with no amenities. Condo life was what we were headed for.

We looked online for about 2 weeks, just casually browsing through every website I knew of including Kijiji. I came across this beautiful listing that literally had every single one of our check points and fell UNDER budget. The best part - it was in Patrick's current building on a higher floor. Is this for real? I had to jump on it so I sent him the listing and asked if he had a minute to call them because I was busy at work. Withing the next 30minutes Patrick called me and said "We have to go tonight...at 6pm" Deal!

Later that night after we viewed the condo, we sat down and filled out the paperwork. We were both filled with excitement when we left and didn't want to wait - it was a GREAT deal! It literally was the most ideal option for us as we were familiar with the building, area, etc. That was a Thursday, by Saturday we got the phone call that it was ours. I cried. He hugged me. We celebrated with dinner and wine, of course.

We spent the next few months packing up and planning the best way to tackle it - Patrick ended up having his knee surgery booked for the day we got the keys but it was necessary. I got this, no worries! We were able to start on a Wednesday to move any of the small stuff or things we could take apart easily to bring up in the elevator - Patrick was on the 12th floor, we moved to the 26th floor! That helped a HUGE amount. Friends moved most of it for me - at least the big stuff - while i tackled Adriana's room.

Over the last few months we took her shopping to pick out a few things that would make her room - HERS. She got a new bed, bedding, pillows, etc. (Thank you, IKEA, for your in expensive and uniquely designed furniture). Adriana loved making the big decisions for her room and she hadn't even seen it yet!

The plan is to spend all day today building her bed and preparing her room for when she comes tomorrow. Her dresser and toys will come on the weekend with her clothes but at least most of the decor will be done beforehand. I can't wait!! She has this fabulous view of City Hall and Celebration Square (corner windows). With such a fun room, I hope she enjoys her own space - I know we will enjoy ours on the other side of the apartment!

This is a huge step - Moving into a downtown condo with my boyfriend and Adriana. I didn't think I would ever get to this point in our life this fast. I held on to the hope that everything will work out; that my time will come to be where I've wanted to be for awhile. I believe that my ability to keep pushing forward no matter what is what got us here. I never gave up, not once. I refuse to let anything or anyone hold me back from what we deserve. We have our own space - shared with a very patient, caring and loving man. I can't wait for  the next big thing for us. We eventually want to buy a house in a few years time but for now renting is what's calling our name!

Happy Mother's Day

I can say that I am truly blessed to be Adriana's Mommy. Today she actually surprised me for the first time ever! I cried and all I could do was stare at her all day...she's all mine <3

On Thursday she brought home a gift bag and asked me not to look instead (Fine!). She placed the bag on her nightstand and it sat there until Sunday. I had no idea that beside it was another gift wrapped in tissue paper too. She was VERY excited to have me open these gifts that she had clearly made for me.

First was this lovely "All About my Mommy" art she created. Although most of the answers are incorrect (I do not weigh 200lbs lol) I love her answers anyways. My favourite is "I love my Mommy because...She loves me" Yup how true little girl!

The gift bag had this beautiful mug inside with a picture she drew of me (with snails for some reason). On the back it says Love Adriana in her writing. The wrapped tissue paper was the picture of her blowing me kisses attached with the card.

Nothing would be complete without flowers on Mother's Day - these were from Patrick along with a card. We spent the afternoon dining at the Old Mill Toronto with my parents and my older sister. The food was delicious and service was quick. It was a buffet style lunch and the trays were replenished repeatedly (no food left in the bottom). It included breakfast items (bacon, eggs, sausage, waffles, etc) as well as a carving table with roasted ham. Adriana's favourite was the chocolate fountain for dessert - she picked strawberries and marshmallows. Like most buffets it also had a salad bar, bread table, veggies and a seafood table.

Thank you darlings for making my day very special! 

Happy Spring

March 22nd is a beautiful day which (hopefully) is the last sign of snow for awhile. The weather warms up, the sunshines more, people work through the garden/storage clean up. Its a refreshing time; motivational even! It encourages people to think about the summer and plan vacations, like to Montreal...

We are booked to go the first weekend in May - fly there and Via rail home. I have fallen in love with Old Port and this time we're scratching things off the bucket list. The train home is a first for us - last time we went it took 10hrs to drive (long wknd traffic) so we said nope, never again! Booked us a fancy Business Class train ticket and plan to relax on the way home; maybe take a nap. In order to do this we would have to take the train or fly there. Since the timing for the train wasn't the best, we were able to find a flight in the evening. Easy Peasy.

Another, bucket list check for us is to see the new Cirque du Soleil - Volta, in Montreal! Tickets....check. Great seats? Double Check! Its brand new and opening April 20th, so we we will be there a few weeks into the show. Last summer we saw the tent still set up and I had tried to get tickets beforehand (sold out). This will be my 4th show - all others were seen in Toronto.

One last check of the bucket list will be to visit Bota Bota Spa. Its a former show boat, converted into a full on spa. We saw this on our "touristy" boat trip up the river when we were there in July. I said yes, definitely, must do next time. Hopefully the weather cooperates and we'll be able to enjoy the full experience inside and out.

The rest of the time we will fill in he gaps with eating, wine, walking around the shops. We use Airbnb and found a great place just around the corner from the Notre Dame Basilica. We chose it for the location mostly - its a beautiful apartment, complete with a full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, laundry, living room, large windows and  a fireplace (just in case its cold!) We are about a 10min walk to the central train station. Starbucks down the street, about 8mins to Bota Bota, Jacques Cartier is about 12mins, beautiful view of Downtown Montreal (at least in the pictures). Can't wait to go!!

We love these weekend trips - a quick jaunt across the provincial border. Seeing things that are different than the typical Niagara Falls trip, or cottage. Don't get me wrong...I love those things, we are just looking for different sometimes.


What are some favourite spots in Montreal? Food? Site seeing?
Favourite weekend getaway?
Have you tried Airbnb before? Experience?

Vacations: Worth every Penny

For the past one and a half years, I have wanted (needed) to go on a vacation. I wasnt entirely picky at first; I just wanted to get on the plane and go somewhere HOT. I researched everything I could about places I've never seen, starting small of course. I saved my money for months - including Christmas and birthday presents I had to buy for! And in the new year, we booked our first big trip away. We had a budget and already booked the time from work that would make it a bit easier to be away from Adriana. I needed that break. I had such a busy work season from August to end of December, and then again for the pass few weeks. Treat yo self.

Here we are in...The Bahamas!!

So admittedly this is not my first time to the country - however this is the first time visiting this island. I've been to Freeport a few years back for my sister's wedding. We are visiting Nassau this time. Staying on the beautiful Cable Beach at The Breezes Resort and Spa. I have to say...first impressions are everything! I about nearly died from excitement when we got to our room! See above picture (no joke!). We can see Atlantis in the distance and watched a few cruise ships come and go!

After reading the reviews, I had hoped for a high room, odd number and in the west tower - these were supposed to be the best rooms in the hotel beside the Presidential suit. Every room is ocean view, which is amazing. We are on the TOP floor (8th), odd number and in the west tower - Winning!!

From the bus transfer to the view, its been amazing! Jeremiah helped load our suitcases on the bus after guiding us to the bus area from the airport doors. A quick drive down the left side of the road and through a few roundabouts, we arrived at the front of the resort. Its an open concept lobby, which let's the breeze flow through nicely. Checking in was easy least and after we went to check out the menus for the restaurants again.

At the same time, they had a political party staying at the hotel for a few days. They were all polite, friendly (said hi to us all the time) and was never overwhelming in common areas. Plenty of seats, sun loungers, food, drinks, space for everyone.

The beach is my ultimate favourite thing! If a resort doesn't have a good beach...I probably won't go. White sand, clean, lots of sun and shade available. I read its the best beach in all of Nassau. I can understand why now! Its over 1000ft long against the crystal clear water.

Only Day #2 here and we have some adventures planned for the next several days we are here. I miss Adriana because I know how much she loves the beach - and kept asking if she can come back here one day! Most definitely will plan a trip with her - just not here because its Adults only ;)

Time to finish breakfast and head to the beach for the day!