Colorado Shots

The beautiful Ranch

Wildflowers

The sight of the wedding in Keystone

Beautiful and delicious cake!

LOVE these flowers!!

Loving LUSH

Seanik

I have to admit...when LUSH first popped up in a lot of the Macy's stores in Chicago I was not intrigued. In fact, I felt overwhelmed by all the fragrances. But every single person I spoke to raved about their fabulous products. I knew I had to take a leap and try them myself.

Before going on vacation my Mom suggested we try the LUSH bar shampoo. Bar shampoo? Uh, that's gross. I smiled and thought, absolutely not.

Fast forward two days later and I'm in Macy's smiling at the nicest LUSH employee ever. She's telling me about all the different kinds of bar shampoos, which ones are good for my hair, the tins you can buy, etc.

I chose to try the Godiva and Seanik shampoo bar. I can't believe it took me this long to find them--All that time wasted not using LUSH!

Godiva-my favorite

THEY ARE AMAZING.

Your hair will actually lather.

It makes your hair feel soft.

You can toss it in your bag and not worry about the 3oz rule at airport security.

It lasts a LONG time.

AND it smells good!

If there is one travel tip I can leave you with...it's don't pack another mini size shampoo.
Buy Lush's bar shampoo and watch it change your life :)

(ok it might not be that dramatic but I'm loving it everyday I use it!)





All images via Lush

Maui Recap

Maui snapshots....

Koiso Sushi (best ever) in Kihei

Maui Sunset

ahaha

Loco Moco

looks disgusting---actually incredibly tasty. and horrible for you :)

View from breakfast at the Wailea Golf Club

Here is a post I did about our amazing whale watching tour!

Just looking at the pictures makes me want to go back as soon as possible!!

Mahalo for the memories!

I'm Slacking

Ugh. I've been such a slacker this week.

I have so many posts to organize. Tons of pictures to go through. And I'm just dragging my feet!


So here's a quick look at my trip through the eyes of my Blackberry.

Watching the surfers in Paia

Droolworthy Hawaiian French Toast with Bananas & Macadamia Nuts at Kiehi Caffe

Bikini Blonde at Maui Brewing Company

My Dad and our paddle board. So fun!

I've got a lot of blogs to catch up on and some fun products to review for everyone! Have a great day!

Wow.

Pictures really are worth 1,000 words sometimes.

We went on a whale watching excursion through the Pacific Whale Foundation and had the most incredible time.

The best part was when 3 HUGE humpback whales came up to our boat. They swam around it. Under it. And amazed everyone on board. Even the crew couldn't believe so many of them came up at once.

Magical.

Baby whale. Aww.

Literally next to the boat!

Blizzard of 2011!!

I'm sure most of you have heard, read, or watched the news coverage of the great blizzard of 2011. Chicago is supposed to get hit hard! :(

"Every Chicago resident should brace for a storm that will be remembered for a long time, there is no reason to believe, at this point, that the storm will miss the city."
said Jose Santiago, head of the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

The blizzard warning for Tuesday and Wednesday forecasts up to 20 inches of snow. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph will create whiteout conditions, making travel nearly impossible, possibly flooding stretches of the lakefront and knocking down power lines.

The snow is expected to hit between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. today, falling at 1 to 2 inches per hour. The worst is expected to come between 9 p.m. today and 5 a.m. Wednesday with a snowfall rate of 3 to 4 inches per hour, Santiago said. Lake effect snow could add an additional 6 inches. (via Chicago Breaking News)

It's going to be brutal! And honestly, part of me is sad I won't be there to witness the Blizzard of 2011!!


I hope all my friends and family stay safe and warm during the Blizzard!

On a lighter note...Here's something to warm everyone up!




Stay warm, everyone!

And share your blizzard pictures!!

Maui Wowee

I'm sure some of you guessed it...

and I'm in Maui!!

I haven't been here since I was in 7th grade. Want a flashback? Uh, here we go:

Don't you just love my platform sandals? haha I love how awkward everyone looks in this picture, all we're missing is my brother, B!!


I'll try to post pictures here and there of beautiful Maui :)

Have a great week!

Happy Friday!!!

The week is over so let the fun begin!


What are your weekend plans?


I leave tomorrow for vacation and am counting down the hours!!

via

I'll give you a couple clues as to where I'm going.

It's 9.5 hours from Chicago.

It's warm & sunny.

We'll be whale watching.


Any guesses?!?!

Also, if you'd like to do a guest post while I'm gone, I'd love to have you here on Pursuit of LLT!

Leaving On a Jet Plane

My friends & I are off for a weekend to celebrate L's final days as a single woman.

Via

The weather is acting a little bipolar right now in Austin and it might be rainy and chilly for us.

That's ok. Rain + 60 degree weather > Chicago weather.
You gotta take the good whenever you can, right?!

Via

After our weekend of debauchery, L will be well on her way to becoming Mrs. A.

It's going to be a fabulous wedding and I can't wait.

Via

What does your weekend entail?!

Austin Bound

I'm heading to Austin in 2 weeks for a girls weekend with my friends. We're celebrating L's bachelorette party and I can't wait!

I've never been to Austin, so I don't know what to expect.


If you have any tips or pointers, let me know!

Via

I always like having a trip on the books and now that my TX weekend is approaching it's time to think ahead!

Lovely Mallory Square

The best place to catch a sunset....

and a quirky entertainment...

and delicious drinks!

Six Weeks Out...

...from this:




I cannot wait. I live for vacation. Seriously. I always like to have one on the books...gives you something to look forward to!

Now on that note. I'm six weeks out from margaritas. seafood. SPF. and a swimsuit. Ugh. I need to get my act together and get serious about working out. Apparently Fall to me means lots of sweets and comfort food. This is not good for a bikini!

So I must kick-start my game and head to more Yoga classes. Hit the gym and actually do some cardio.

Via

And...I must try to step away from all the cupcakes and cookies in my way :( Not an easy feat for someone with my kind of sweet tooth!

Via
And on that note, if you're ever in Chicago and want a FABULOUS cupcake, go to Sugar Bliss. You will NOT be disappointed. They're heavenly.

Do you guys have any vacations coming up? How do you motivate yourself to go to the gym? I've got to get out of this lazy funk!

Modern Design

Like I blogged about earlier this week, I spent some time in Colorado at a friend's house and I have to say their house is amazing. It's incredibly modern and breathtaking. It's right on the mountain and is all glass, concrete, and clean lines. Plus they have the best style in decorating. She truly can do no wrong with all the little details!

Here are some pictures to show you how fabulous it is:

View from the living room looking out on the patio and to the kitchen

Can you say wow?? Look how lovely it is when it snows...

I like the shape of the sink/faucet and how it's set on the stainless steel on top of the granite.

View from rooftop patio on the 4th floor.

How cute is this bench?! And it was a super sale buy from Anthropologie. It's so whimsical.


If I could build a house I'd love to mix modern style with traditional layouts. It would be quite complicated but I have the vision in my head haha


Are there any details in houses you love to see? Any in your own? Or rather, any you'd like to see in your house??

Mountains = Perfect

"The quieter you become, the more you can hear"
Ran Dass

We made it to the top, yeah!!!

Quick post from CO...had to share these pictures. It is so beautiful here!! Lots of rain the last couple of weeks so everything is green, lush & smells fantastic.



Today we hiked up to the Hallelujah Nature Trail. The name fits it perfectly. It was a great hike (feeling it already, ouch). Breathtaking views, perfect weather and a picnic on the rocks :)



It is so peaceful here, I don't want to leave anytime soon...although I could do without the altitude headache. My organs are practically floating from all the water I'm drinking and I'm popping ibuprofen like tic-tacs :)

Happy Wednesday to all!

Travel Must-Haves

There are a few things you should know about me. One, I'm borderline OCD when it comes to folding and organizing clothes. Two, I travel a fair amount. Finally, I love the challenge of packing. Challenge? Ugh, terrible. I'm rolling my eyes as we speak...

How lame is that? I love packing...it's weird. I fold everything in such a precise manner (I believe I honed this gift while folding baby onesies at BabyGap in high school) and I'm anal about where everything goes in my bag. Shoes never just chill in there. I mean, if you lived in Chicago and walked these streets, you'd understand. I have little shoe bags and I use the free people mini bags when I run out of my other shoe protectors.

I'm going to the Mountains in Colorado tomorrow for some MUCH needed R&R. So I found my carry-on and am about to take the packing plunge.

But first, let's talk travel! Ahhh, travel my long lost friend. I think there are a few things that are mandatory when traveling. Here's my list:

1. Pashmina: I can't remember the last time I flew without one. Even if it's 110 degrees, I'm wearing a pashmina to the airport. Hello? Planes are cold. Passengers are creepy. Pashminas keep you warm and can also be wrapped around your neck so much your neighbor is no longer visible!

2. Noise Canceling Headphones: Thank you techy men and women! I no longer have to have my iPod on full blast. I can actually HEAR my music and at the same time and blissfully unaware of a loud rummmmmbling of the engines.

3. Books/Kindle: I read like a maniac. So when I'm going on a strictly R&R vacation, I better have a lot of books with me. Case in point, 9 day cruise in January, read 7 books. The Kindle makes this so much easier and my bags are that much lighter. Thank you, Amazon.

4. iPod: Self-explanatory. Can't live without music.

5. Ballet Flats: Ok girls, I get it. You want to look good when you fly. That's fine. In fact, I really don't get the schleppy/just rolled out of bed look at the airport. Gross. Put on real clothes. And if you're going comfy, look presentable. No dolphin pajama pants, please! Ballet Flats are the perfect answer to cute shoes but with comfort. No need for heels. However, I'll wear gym shoes or boots if I need to pack them and they're just too bulky!

6. Snacks: Since when do you have to pay for snacks?? coughAmericancough. How lame. I usually bring a trail mix bar, gum, pretzels, and a Crystal Light packet for when I'm sick of plain water!

7. Smile: so cheesy, I know. But do you know how stressful it is to travel under pressure? To sit next to someone who is so grumpy that you want to scream? To have to stand in line behind the person screaming at the attendant who had no idea why all the flights are sold out? I am by NO MEANS the sweetest person alive. But the world is round and karma is a biotch. Don't be mean to the person who has control of your bags or could bump you to first class. Be pleasant, it's not their fault you didn't read the baggage limits!


So for me, this is going to be my go-to scarf for the trip:

Scarf from Anthropologie

My dog, Ozzie, doesn't want me to go, but he's a good assistant :)

Must get new camera! These blurry pics are driving me mad!!

What do you always take with you when you travel? Anything you feel is a must-have for the trip??


I just realized I posted this last night, 8/9 but it was posted under 8/4. Weird...

Do You See What I See?

Image via Tham &Videgard

This reminds me of those freaky books that were all the rage in the 90s...you know the ones where it's a design and you're supposed to see something else in the picture too, like another shape? Anyone know what I'm talking about? I can't remember the name!!

So anyway, I saw this today online and had to do a double-take. Do you see it? It's a tree house hotel in Sweden that is completely mirrored on the outside. It's like being hidden in the forest but in plain sight. Very cool. And I bet this is making every backyard tree house in America look like a joke!

The idea behind the Eco friendly hotel comes from Tham & Videgard who are wildly talented and inspiring. Seriously, check out their recent works on their website. I had to pick my mouth off the floor after seeing some of their designs. Here are more pics of the hotel:

Chic modern interior with radiant heat floors & incinerating toilet...that sounds a bit scary

A special film is put on the outside only viewable by birds so they won't be slamming into the mirrors!

All images from Tham & Videgard

This tree house hotel is just another of the many eco-friendly hotels and resorts popping up all over the world. And to that I say, Kudos! I am proud to be a bit of a tree-hugger myself but I don't think it's a bad thing. Like you learn in 1st grade, it's our Earth and it's up to us to keep her clean! (that was cheesy, even for me...yikes) I don't think being Green is a fad, I think it's becoming necessary as we go forward. For those who disagree, that's okay. (Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one!)

As hotels are opting to be more environmentally friendly bits and pieces of eco-flair seem to be popping up everywhere. One of the first steps they seem to be taking is in their toiletry department and thank goodness for that. Nothing better than scoring a free oatmeal & honey soap or green tea shampoo!

If you're looking for your next Green hotel for vacay or just want to see what's out there look no further

So my question to you is this: Has anyone been to an eco-friendly resort or hotel? If so, where? What were your thoughts? 'Amazing, I'll do it again?' 'Weird and pretentious?'



If you want the to read the whole article about the Tree House Hotel click ME

Perks, Perks, PERKS!

I don't know about you, but I love me some perks. I'm talking frequent flier miles, store memberships, movie points, the works. What's not to love? But then I got to thinking about it and really these companies deserve a huge round of applause for making me spend more than I need. (Please, I am not the first to realize this, as Carter from a rather large airline is basking in the sun at his Hampton's estate courtesy of the bonus that followed his idea to "perk" up his company...)

So then I thought, hmm Why do we love perks so much? And this is what I came up with:

1. The Card--you know what I'm talking about. Standing in line to buy a movie ticket and OH wait, here's my card. The guy behind you thinks, what's that? how did she get that? where do I get one?

2. The Coupons-- ah, yes. The coupons, which let's face it you're going to need b/c you just spent $34 on two movie tickets! A small pop & popcorn for $5? Yes, please!

3. Free, Free, Free-- Wait a minute, you mean if I take tons of flights and spend thousands of dollars flying on AA (not to mention thousands more on bag fees, and the damn sandwich I have to buy on board) I get a free ticket? OOH exciting. Oh wait, I can't use it for that flight at that time on that day? Oh...yeah...hmmph.

4. The Status-- very few of you know what I mean. You reach a certain level and BAM! You're practically famous. While I'll never be George Clooney's character in Up in the Air, I do mooch on those who are (Thanks, Mom!) Priority Boarding? Cutting in line at Security? Free upgrades to First Class?! Oh how I wish I had a job that had to fly me around so I could rack up some FF points!

5. The SPECIAL card-- sure, sure you're one of thousands with a Starbucks rewards card. Now order your latte and move along. Oh wait, I 'm sorry, you have a personalized card? Well step right up, Ms. Special. It's the Starbucks GOLD card. That's right. It's Gold (we're not talking real gold ala the Black Amex Titanium card, come on people! It's a recession!) it has a smart looking cup on the front...and YOUR NAME! You, my friend, have just arrived. Oh and free syrups, soy milk and drinks on your birthday!


Can you think of any other reasons these perks programs are so successful and why it's so easy to become obsessed with them?!

New Beginnings...seem to always come right after an ending.

Ahh, the first blog post. What to write? Who will read? Anyone?

Here I am deciding what to make of this little blog of mine and what the gist of it will be. My thoughts are very simple (and sparse...) so let's dive right in. I wanted to write about something people want to read about. Something that's organic and easy to relate to...something interesting...thought-provoking...inspired. Then I realized, Hmm better just write what's on my mind and put it out there ;)


Thoughts are always welcomed and appreciated.