Toronto Trip!

The Toronto girls trip was everything I imagined and more. Equal parts exploring, eating, laughing and bonding time. Ernest Hemingway once said, "Never go on trips with anyone you don't love" and I'd have to agree. It makes the memories sweeter, the wine tastier and the experiences more meaningful.  I'm certain to look back on this adventure with fondness. 

But on to the details... Toronto is a lovely city, rich with culture and a friendly vibe throughout. Technology has made travel so easy... booking restaurant reservations, finding the hot spots, keeping track of the 'must do' list - with a smartphone the world is literally at our fingertips these days, pretty amazing. But there's still something magical about being a tourist with a map. Particularly if it's drawn on and highlighted by a local. (Restaurant servers are most helpful!)

It was a first visit to Canada for all of us, and below are a few of our favorite Toronto discoveries so far: 

The Distillery District for dining, strolling, browsing and enjoying a beautiful spring day. 

Taking a ferry over to the Toronto Island's. The views of the skyline are unbeatable. Head to Ward's Island, it's less crowded and there's a cute little restaurant to dine al fresco called The Rectory.

Exploring neighborhoods, like The Beach and Leslieville...

 ...taking the 501 Queen Streetcar...

...capped off with a visit to Yonge/Dundas Square, the bustling epicenter, for some serious shopping.

Other memories included but not limited to: 

Lots of pictures that weren't remotely funny. (I'm not saying we're responsible for spinning this funny pic into a meme, but I will say that if you search #remotelyfunny on Instagram, lots of the pictures belong to us ;) 

Evenings out on the town. (We loved Ciao Wine Bar for dinner and Bloke and 4th for a night scene.)

And last but not least, the theme song of the trip, courtesy of a famous Toronto rapper (how's that for coincidence?) who's private club (seen in the video at 1:29) we may or may not have been privy to...

STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM NOW WE'RE HERE.

P.S. If Instagram's your jam, peep more pics here at #lgbwtravel!

Oh Great Goodness

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 

Imma need one of these pretties. 

Have a Great (Gatsby) weekend! 

P.S. Finger waves to complete the look.

Around the House

Here's what things are looking like lately around the house...

{Grocery store blooms to brighten up a room}

 {Thift store frames got a fresh coat of paint and silhouettes of my kitties}

{Peach shades for spring}

{Four devices, two occupants. You do the math.}
(3 laptops not pictured.)

Toronto pictures coming soon!

Traveling to Toronto

photo via by Seattle's Travels - isn't is awesome??

Hi peeps! I'm off for Toronto tomorrow with five girlfriends and we're super pumped! It's crazy to think I've been all over the world but somehow haven't found to chance to visit our northerly neighbors. There's sightseeing, fine dining and general shenanigans on the agenda so it's sure to be nothing short of fabulous. Toronto a first for all of us so any experience, tips, must do's from you are welcome!

Hope it's finally spring/summer wherever you are. The sun is huge and hot here and I couldn't be happier!

Have a lovely rest of the week/weekend!

xoxo

Spring Scenes from Tennessee

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."

-Anne Bradstreet

 'Meditations Divine and Moral' - 1655

I always love visiting Tennessee in the spring. Trees and flowers are in bloom and the sun is shining nearly a month sooner than in Chicago, so it's the perfect getaway to push me through until warmer weather finally arrives. Lazy cats, front porches and greenery are a few a my favorite things.

And also, my adorable niece, who carries this Jamaica purse like it's going out of style.

Trip & Tragedy

Over the weekend we spent some time in Tennessee. It was a much needed visit and a great escape from this amazing (not.) Chicago "spring" we're having. Sunny weather and family fellowship was just what I needed. Unfortunately, the time flies, and it's never possible to spend time with everyone I'd like to but I'm so grateful for the bit I got. As we stopped for a bite to eat on the drive back restaurant televisions were breaking news of the Boston bombing. A heartbreaking event and unbelievable act of cruelty. I have no grand statements or profound words to offer other than to treasure the moments. Nothing is more important than loving the ones you love. 

xoxo

Going Low Poo.

As an oily skin/scalp girl I'm always looking for that miracle product to keep me grease free as long as possible. (This is a good one.) I get so sick of washing my long hair everyday and my stylist keeps begging me not to anyway. I know it's drying my ends and only making the roots situation worse, but....excuses, excuses.

Recently, I've been reading about the "No Poo" (as in shampoo) method circling around the world wide web. If you're not familiar, it means washing your hair with baking soda and rinsing with vinegar. This article is one of the best, detailing out all the scientific and how-to information you could ever want or need. It sounded like a lot of work to achieve the perfect no poo, but alas, I was willing to give it a try. Until I reached the part about adjustment period. Ick. (Some report no issues, others report some buildup and weeks of bun wearing.) Then came the part about not being ready for no poo yet, and going "low poo" instead. Yes!! I.am.in.  Shea Moisture's Moisture Retention Shampoo was the recommended product so I grabbed some at the local drugstore and Holy Guacamole. It's a game changer.

The Facts:

• First of all, it smells great in the bottle, but after washing and drying it's even better. Someone might even go in for another hug just so they can get a 2nd whiff. True story.
• After the first wash, my hair was the softest ever. I repeat, ever. (And remains so to this day.) 
• Hubby tried it, and even though he has the opposite problem (dry scalp), he's a new fan as well.   (I guess the whole balancing your scalp thing is key.) 
• It doesn't lather, but don't be concerned, it's working. 

I still use a clarifying shampoo and deep conditioner once a week, but otherwise, consider me a low poo convert! Have you guys tried this or similar processes? I'd love to hear about your experience!

P.S. Pretty braids for spring.