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

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!