Nostalgic/Homesick for Colorado

 

I just submitted my votes for 5280 "best of" restaurants. I thought I'd share them here for those who are fortunate enough to be in Colorado (can you tell I'm feeling homesick?). AND it's nearly Restaurant Week, February 20-March 5. Get out there and enjoy!

BBQ:
Hoke's BBQ, Arvada
Moe's BBQ and BOWLING, Denver 

Bargain Bite:
El Amigo, Golden

Brunch:
Westin, Westminster 

Burger:
Pump House, Longmont

Chinese: 

Heaven Dragon, Arvada

Chocolate Dessert:
The Market, Denver

Cookie:
The Market, Denver

Cupcakes:
Shamane's Bake Shoppe, Boulder

Deli: 
The Market, Denver

Fine Dining:
Flagstaff House, Boulder
Hot dog:
Coors Field

Ice Cream/Gelato:
Glacier, Various

Italian:
Tied! Cucina Roma Roma, Arvada and Patsy's, Denver

Kid-Friendly Restaurant:
The Aquarium, Denver

Meatball Sandwich:
Amici's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant, Wheatridge

Mexican:
El Amigo, Golden

Patio Dining:
Julia Blackbird, The Highlands

Pizza:
Edgewater Inn, Edgewater

Ramen/Noodle Bowls :
Chez Thuy, Boulder (but the service SUCKS!)

Soup:
The Boulder Cafe, Boulder (3 words, white chicken chili)

Steak:
The Keg, Lakewood (I tried to stay local but I couldn't think of anything that can compete. Might I recommend the bleu cheese encrusted filet mignon?)

Street Vendor:
Gyro Man, Fort Collins (is he still there?)

Tacos:
The Rio Grande, Various (you have to have something in your stomach for their margaritas (OMG!) but that category wasn't included so I'm putting it here)

Tapas:
The Med, Boulder (is there anywhere else, is there?)

Wine List:
Brassiere Ten Ten, Boulder

Tick, tock, tick, tock

Oh goodness! Where does the time go?

I guess the new job is taking more out of me than I thought!

It has also meant more time working and less time traveling.  While February won't be nearly as fun in terms of travel it looks like I'll get to escape the OC to head out to Seattle and maybe San Diego!

In the mean time B has been traveling far and wide.  He's traveled 30,000 miles since the first of the year.  Let's just say Hulu and I see each other more often.  Thank goodness for Skype and his company paying for the international calls.

I've got some planning/day dreaming to do...Seattle, San Diego and FRANCE at the beginning of March for my birthday!

Seychelles...the shoes, not the place!

This blog post made me want to strap on these shoes and go jetset like nobody's business (via LoriShoes):

Yes, please!

Oh, drat. We got ahead of ourselves. What we meant to say was, "Yes, please!"

There we go again.

It's hard not to get so excited when the object of our acquiescence is the Gypsy by Seychelles. According to their website, Seychelles's spring theme is La Femme Qui Voyage, to which we reply "Oui, s'il vous plait!" One. Track. Mind over here. The theme of traveling is welcome. We want a trip. We need a trip. And we want the Gypsy on our feet – this aptly named heel being a joy in which to wander about feeling exotic.

What's the cause of our single-mindedness? The passion starts with a blood orange-red suede upper, gathered and stitched into a corrugated kind of cool and finished with a matte gold buckle. We like the coverage over the front of the ankle. The foot looks wrapped in soft suede. Swaddled. Cradled. You don't wear the Gypsy so much as luxuriate in it. Luxury isn't price; it is the quality of our comfort: looking better and feeling better amplify each other. This shoe has that. A stacked leather heel looks great and is balanced by a modest hidden platform and a cushioned insole. The nap of the suede and the brushed finish of the buckle enhance the rich, warm tones. The swaths of leather coyly reveal your foot.

It's winter here in Chicago, but we're wearing this now. Play off the tight pleats with luxe socks or leggings ... or both for an ultra-layered look. Spring's shaping up to be more casual, more local, more personal. The Gypsy's bold color both singles you out and taps into ethnic/tribal trends – the exoticism of far-away local places. It will work well with statement wood and cloth jewelry and look at home beneath shorts or floaty dresses. (Of course, no one will object if some skinny jeans found their way in.) Come to think of it, the Gypsy would be just perfect for your trip to see Chris Ofili's exhibition at the Tate Modern.

It's nearly February. We're restless, curious. Call it wanderlust. Call it we're-tired-of-wearing-wellies-every-day. Maybe ahead of ourselves is exactly where we are supposed to be – somewhere off in the spring with a shoe that's lusty and laidback, luxe but easy, richly colored and detailed. Doesn't that sound perfect right about now?

Yes, please.

p.s. Seychelles are amongst the most comfortable heels I have ever worn.  They are a regular wardrobe staple in my on-your-feet-all-day-long job :)

Itenerary: Denver

Rock Chalk Jayhawk Cartographer

While I was back in Denver.., in between giving the new parents some time alone and smothering them (and their precious baby boy with love!) I visited some of my very favorite haunts in the Mile High City.


1.) El Amigo: "The friend!" indeed.  You won't find a better or cheaper hole in the wall, delicious Mexican restaurant in Colorado.  Might I recommend the chile rellanos? I mean really, how can you not love that they are "wi-fi-red up?" Also, if you have the tolerance for some serious heat, ask them for the habanero sauce (its not on the menu...probably for legal reasons).


2.) My Brother's Bar: a - its the oldest bar in Denver, b - Jack Kerouac hung out here with his buddy (Neal Cassady/Dean Moriarty - for all you beatniks out there), c - the burgers are fantastic, d- and in the end, if you are inspired to go and take your own cross-country journey, the REI Denver Flagship store is right next door so you can stock up before you head out 'on the road' again.


3.) The Denver Aquarium: While this isn't the Monterrey Bay Aquarium it is a pretty interesting site to see salt water dwellers in a land locked state. There are incredible exhibits featuring fish, turtles, sharks, lobsters, seahorses and even tigers! The restaurant here actually has pretty decent food and prices. Of course you are eating primarily amongst families with young kiddos - so be prepared for some running around, screaming and crying - but also for some great views of the giant shark tank.


Oh, believe me! There are many more to come. But I thought's I'd keep it short and sweet for the time being :)


Bon voyage!

Your flight has been re-routed to Denver...

Soooooo...instead of going to Mr. B's race in Hawaii I opted to travel to Colorado to be with my family.  Seeing as my baby sister was having her first baby - actually the first baby in our family, I decided it was an event that I simply could not pass up.  Hawaii, you'll have to wait.  I had a precious little boy to meet.

HI, HURT

Time for the next trip! B and I are headed off to Hawaii so he can be crazy and run this race.  I am going for moral support...and sun...and snorkeling...and a little vaca before my new job starts.

Are you ready for my packing list? I know you are ;)

My Weekend Travel Bag

As promised...here are the details for my favorite travel bag.  The "Leigh" from LeSportsac. It has traveled with me to France, Sweden, Norway, DC, Chicago, Denver, Hawaii, well you get the idea. Its the perfect size to fit under the seat in front of you so fighting for a place in the overhead bin is rarely a problem.  It also has clips on each side that give it a nice shape (I think it kind of looks like an old doctor's bag) but if you need more room, just unclip them and voila! A few more cubic inches for souvenirs.

I find that the size is perfect for carrying a weekend's worth of outfits, plus a magazine or two and my head phones.  The exterior is made of nylon which resists moisture (I spilled a whole cup of coffee on it once and everything inside stayed dry) and its super easy to clean.

I know the price is a little steep on the website (for me anyway) but there are plenty of deals to be had.  I actually found my bag at Ross.  I've seen them at Macy's too, on sale.

What's your favorite travel bag?

Coveted: JCrew Travel Kit

How cute is this JCrew travel kit? Wouldn't you love pulling this out of your carry-on?  I think its the little comforts that get you through the not so fun parts of traveling [read: screaming babies, obnoxious neighbors, surly flight attendants, delays].  I think the only thing that would make this little kit better would be matching travel slippers :)

Glossy, glossy!

While visiting the future inlaws in Colorado Springs, Colorado I stumbled across Gloss. Initially I was afraid that the store would be overpriced but upon entering ~ the layout is one part denim bar (Sevens, Citizens, Joe's etc.) and one part Forever21.  I ended up buying a circular scarf which I have not taken off for the past week (except to sleep).  My future sister in law (SIL) found a couple of darling dresses and a sweet sweater.  I was a definite show stopper! If you're in the Springs I recommend stopping by :)

Back from Chi Town!

I'm back from a whirlwind weekend in the Windy City.  It did not disappoint!

As most wedding weekends start ~ we went to the rehearsal and then on to dinner (my fav with more informal/sentimental toasts!).

The wedding party was assembled at 1:15pm - whether my make-up was on and the hangover was cured, or not!

The wedding was a traditional Catholic ceremony (read: at least one hour of genuflecting).

Then off to the festivities! I loved the Groucho Marcs glasses for the wedding party...a little whimsy for the pomp and circumstance!

Lots of good food, drink, and groomsman shenanigans (rearranging the wedding suite).

I actually over packed (if you can believe it!).  No time for swimming or the flats! It was sooooo cold I wasn't willing to venture out in less than about ten layers including the boots!