Author:bluelollipoproad

July 8, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Illinois, Photos

girls just wanna have fu-un

I had dinner with girlfriends last night at Mon Ami Gabi. I have always had more guy friends than girl friends, but for whatever reason recently, life has delivered me some of the most hilarious, fun, smart, sassy, accomplished and interesting women to hang with and I am loving it. We were all too busy chatting and being “that table” laughing too loudly to take photos of our first 54 courses of food, but I finally grabbed my camera when dessert came:

Do you know how hard it is to wait even 10 seconds to dig in with stuff like this in front of you and 3 other women with forks and spoons? These plates didn’t stand a chance against us:

Fruits, crepes, puff pastries, chocolate cakes, creme brulee’-oh my! Indeed like a pack of wherewolves attacked. I am all about those times the chef decides to just send out every dessert on the menu.

Here’s to French themed patio summer nights, never ending food-porn photos and falling asleep stuffed and smiling.

July 6, 2011 In Food, Photos, Wisconsin

all-american weekend

What do you get besides fantastic company, a great tan, and lots of laughs during a stay at the lake for a holiday weekend? Skis and boats and lots of fun stuff to play with:

Lunch pot-luck feasts with all the neighbors, complete with taco salads:

…that give funny olive boobs:

…fresh fruit and veggie salads with patriotic colors:

…chairs to sit in and relax over the water:

…and clouds to gaze at while daydreaming:

Gee, and I wonder why I didn’t want to leave.

Thank you to my Mid-West family that has taken me in as if I were their own. I’m counting minutes until I can come back and actually jump in that gorgeous water!

July 5, 2011 In News & Updates

I’m baaaack

Spending a few days away from full-throttle lifestyle, and doing nothing but relaxing and resting felt odd for me, but were much needed. I feel like a million bucks!

The best way to start a new week after a perfect holiday weekend away? (Besides French press coffee…)- an early morning phone call from a company that will be part of the next big BLR adventure starting in September of course! It’s all official, but I’m still waiting on one more thing before I will be blasting the news out. When I do, get ready to participate. Participation from all of you is what is going to make this upcoming adventure so fun.

Another hint:

I’ve been looking at lots of paper maps.

July 5, 2011 In Photos, Wisconsin

red, white and blue

I spotted this in Redgranite, Wisconsin this weekend. Perfect for a 4th of July post:

I love small town America.

July 3, 2011 In People, Photos

take a number gents

I know, I know, I’ve never looked hotter right? (The hospital no-slip sexy socks are the best part). It’s fun to embarrass myself. How could I not post this picture?

Rules to follow when you are really nervous about going to do something, and you feel and look like crap:

1.) Have someone that makes you laugh so hard your stomach hurts bring you

2.) Give them your camera

Dear G~

I could not have asked for a better care taker. Thank you. I’m still laughing…

June 29, 2011 In Photos, Wisconsin

ahhh…

Nothing says recovery and relaxation like time at a gorgeous lake for a long weekend!

June 28, 2011 In News & Updates

this week

You all know I hate being radio silent because I get overly excited about the tiniest things and always want to share here. This week though, I’ll likely be a bit absent from here because of two reasons. Ironically one reason is super awesome, and the other super sucks. (It’s Ok, that’s the fun of the life roller coaster- right?:)

1.) I am waiting/working on a few bits of information from/with the folks I’ll be working with on an UBER exciting project starting in September.

2.) I have an appointment with a surgeon and his staff who I know so well at this point we will be sending each other Christmas cards this year.

Hang tight with me! All is well and I’m so insanely excited to share news as soon as all the lights are all green. It’s looking like that will be very soon.

Here’s to summertime fun and REALLY good things to come. Have a fabulous holiday weekend!

June 27, 2011 In Illinois, People, Photos, Videos

all colors of the rainbow

Yesterday was annual Pride Parade Parade Day and my first one in Chicago. It was quite an experience. After I attempted to get close to actually be able to watch the parade and got squashed in the crowd within 5 minutes, I opted to just wander the streets for a couple hours. There were thousands of characters, so even though I didn’t get to see many of the actual floats, there was plenty of entertainment.

As I walked in the direction of the parade, I saw bars and restaurants with signs of pride:

…vendors selling schwag to keep the sunshine way:

…people so excited to be in viewing distance they stood on porta potties:

…and some climbing on signs and poles wearing tutus and Speedos to get a look:

I saw a few floats and signs:

..and LOTS of colorful outfits. Meet Lauren:

She was all about me taking her picture. Then there was this lady dancing in her lime green spandex as the crowd at the bar cheered:

A couple guys thought less was more:

…and even prideful little cutie pie kids:

I couldn’t resist taking a couple videos after spying Tina shakin’ it:

…and a dance party in a Dunkin Donuts parking lot:

It was all a sight to be seen for sure and a fun day for people watching. If you’ve never been to a Pride Parade in a big city, add it to your bucket list.

Thanks Chicago, for making every summer weekend I have here packed with endless events to attend and interesting people to meet!

June 25, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Illinois, Photos

to market to market

This gorgeous Saturday morning got me up and out to explore the Green City Market. This Farmers Market is located on the south end of Lincoln Park in Chicago and it was packed:

I wandered through fruits and veggies:

…fresh-baked loaves of bread that made me want to bite right into them:

…and pretty pink flowers for sale:

I love that each vendor had a tag attached to their space with personal notes about them and information on miles traveled from farm to market:

I opted for a strawberry fruit smoothie for my treat from Seedling Farms:

Gorgeous color and totally delicious.

The good old American Saturday morning in the summer at the Farmer’s Market; Crowds noshing on fresh fruits right out of the baskets, chef’s stocking up on supplies for weekend dinners, and kids running around in the grass screeching with delight.

Simple things, happy places.

June 25, 2011 In News & Updates

upcoming announcement

Can I tell you how hard it is for me to hold my tongue when I have THRILLING news?!

Very- but I have to hold it for juuuuuust a few more days. I have some hints though! The news involves:

*A car

*A trip

*A theme

*Interaction with you all

*A September start

(…and me taking breaks to dance in the living room as I type this this right now.)

I am SO excited to share the news and have you all along the ride with me…

More as soon as I can!