Chicago: a neighborhood tour

We spent approximately 36 hours of awesome in Chicago last weekend... we packed so much into our time there and can't wait to go back! Beyond being alive and energetic, Chicago also has some of the most desirable (in my opinion at least) homes I've ever seen. My breath was taken from me at every turn, and I can't count the number of times I shouted, "I'd live there!"

First up, in Downtown, this beauty. Why yes, I will take a studio apartment here. I'll sit in front of my enormous ivy-covered windows in the middle of Chicago and overlook the river, while the afternoon sun warms my cheeks. Thank you.

And these, at the mouth of the Chicago River... So let me get this straight. You're telling me that I have pristine Lake Michigan to my left, the Chicago river in front of me, skyscrapers to my right, and downtown Chicago nightlife behind me?

S-O-L-D. And those roof decks? I'll take it.

Lincoln Park. What I imagine might be the most desirable address in Chicago. I have absolutely no support to back up that claim except for these drool-worthy pics...


I'm speechless. 


And I'm ivy-on-brick-obsessed, apparently. Who knew? 

A secret garden tucked away in the big city.

And then there was this. Set between rows of impeccible brownstones and manicured gardens was the most charming house in all of Lincoln Park. Blocks from Lincoln Park itself and with the sweetest front porch I ever did see. You know what that porch needs? A glass of sweet tea and a rocking chair.

And maybe a southern lady to throw up a hand and offer a "Hey y'all!" to passersby. Don't you agree? I'd kindly oblige.

Which is, of course, the southern, ladylike way of screaming, "Pick me! Pick me!"

Then, blocks from my dream house, I found this...

And figured I better get my cold-natured behind back to Tennessee.

Until next time, Chicago!

Lauren 

For the Love: Better Late than Never

July Fourth... one of my favorite holidays. I am a summer girl married to a lake man and we love us some Independence Day. I understand that it's almost been a full month... bear with me. I'm still on a high from the all the love!

Love for America:

Love for this baby and his first of many lake celebrations:

Sweet love poured out from these kiddos:

And the matchless love of a Grandmama:

For the love of special little girls:

And for a celebrated life:

The love of sweets:

And of fireworks:

The love of quiet mornings:

A newly discovered love for thrill:

And bittersweet "see you later's":

-Lauren

Visiting!

Happy Saturday!
Today you can find me over at Black Tag Diaries...

With a guest post about this project! 

If you don't know Julia already, you are missing out... she is one of the most well-rounded women I know. Her blog is chock full of inspiration... life, crafts, weddings, design, humor, photography... she's got it all. I'm honored that she asked me to guest post while she's having the time of her life on an Alaskan cruise! (jealous) She's got an awesome line-up in her absence. Check it out!

xo

Lauren